Rt.  Rev.  Leo  Haid,  O.S.  B.,  D.  D. 
Abbot-Ordinary  and  Bishop 


1885  U.  I.  O.  G.  D.  1910 


A  SHORT  SKETCH 


of 


BELMONT  ABBEY 


the 


Canonical  Erection  of  the  Abbatia  NuUius 


ind  the 


Silver  Abbatial  Jubilee 


of 


Rt.  Rev.  Leo  Haid,  D.  D.,  O.  S.  B. 


1910 

BELMONT  t>iBBEY  PRESS 

Belmont,  N.  C. 


a 

0.- 


^ 


^ 

-^ 


\5 


Dedicated  respectfully 


to 


His  Excellency,  Most  Rev.  Diomede  Falconio, 

Apostolic  Delegate  to  the  United  States 


and  to  our 


Patrons,  Friends  and  Benefactors 


MQi 


CONTENTS 


Page 

Twenty-five  years  in  Belmont  Abbey 1 

Solemn  Erection  of  the  "Abbatia  Nullius,"  Oct.  18,  1910 11 

On  the  Silver  Jubilee  (poem)    17 

The  Abbot's  Silver  Jubilee 20 

Our  Bishop  (poem)  33 

List  of  Gifts  Received  during  the  Jubilee   34 

Jubilee  Notes 36 

Editorial  from  Ecclesiastical  Review   37 

Editorial  from  Charlotte  Observer 38 

The  Visit  of  the  Abbot  Primate    39 

December  19th,  1885 41 

Catalogue  of  Belmont  Abbey 42 

Colleges  and  Parishes  of  Belmont  Abbey 46 

Papal  Bull 47 


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<By  Mr.  R.  W.  Vincent  in  the  "Charlotte  Observer") 


Just  beyond  the  Catawba  River,  ten  miles  southwest  of  Char- 
lotte, the  Southern  Railway  touches  Belmont.  It  is  an  enterprising 
and  flourishing  little  town,  with  reveral  cotton  mills,  a  bank,  depart- 
ment stores  and  handsome  residences,  and  it  enjoys  an  enviable  dis- 
tinction in  mercantile  circles.  One  mile  to  the  north  of  the  village 
is  situated  the  now  famous  Belmont  Abbey.  A  well-kept  highway 
leads  to  it,  and  the  Abbey  is  reached  after  passing  through  an  avenue 
of  fine  shade  trees.  Massive  buildings,  Gothic  spires  surmounting 
the  cathedral  and  beautiful  lawns  greet  the  stranger.  The  greatest 
Catholic  college  in  the  South  Atlantic  States  is  attached  to  the  Abbey; 
add  to  it  a  library  of  many  thousands  of  volumes,  an  extensive 
model  farm,  stretching  itself  over  nearly  a  thousand  acres,  with  fine 
herds  of  choicest  cattle,  artistically  kept  parks,  athletic  fields,  an 
electric  light  plant,  water-works  of  unsurpassed  excellence,  shops 
for  every  sort  of  trade,  and  you  have  Belmont  Abbey.  It  is  also 
the  residence  of  the  Catholic  Bishop  of  North  Carolina,  who  unites 
to  this  dignity  that  of  a  Benedictine  abbot.  Bishop  Leo  Haid,  a  man 
beloved  of  all,  and  revered  in  the  entire  South,  will  soon  have  passed 
the  milestone  of  one-fourth  of  a  century  in  his  able  administration. 
His  influence  and  sterling  qualities  have  brought  it  about  that  Bel- 
mont has  been  raised  to  the  dignity  of  a  Cathedral  Abbey,  unique 
in  America,  and  the  only  one  holding  perpetually  its  own  jurisdic- 
tion over  a  specified  territory. 


The  history  of  Belmont  leads  back  to  those  days  which  followed 
closely  upon  the  termination  of  the  war  in  the  Southland.  Like  a 
prairie  fire,  this  civil  strife  had  devastated  the  flourishing  land 
between  the  Chesapeake  and  the  Gulf.  With  the  land  and  the 
people,  the  Church,  too,  suffered,  especially  in  North  Carolina.  It 
was  in  1876,  when  the  first  Benedictines,  those  men  who  contributed 
so  much  to  the  civilization  of  Europe,  especially  in  the  British  Isles, 
hastened  South,  where,  by  their  diligent  labors,  zeal  and  noble  self- 
sacrifice,  they  co-operated  with  the  Southern  priesthood  in  aiding 
the  suffenng  Church.  The  territory  was  very  large  and  the  Miss- 
ionaries were  very  few,  too  few — noble  and  hard-working  men 
though  they  were — to  care  for  the  widely  scattered  missions.  It 
was  for  this  reason  that  the  Benedictines'  advent  into  North  Caro- 
lina was  SD  eagerly  hailed  by  all  CDncerned  in  the  welfare  of  the 
Church  in  the  State. 

Belmont  Abbey  was  established  under  such  unfavorable  cir- 
cumstances that  it  is  wonderful  that  it  should  ever  have  been  so 
successful,  for  twenty-five  years  ago,  when  this  monastic  institution 
was  founded.  North  CaroHna  was  the  most  thoroughly  Non-Catholic 
.State  in  the  Union  and,  moreover,  far  distant  from  the  centres  of 
Catholicism.  Again,  the  people  were  Protestants;  they  had  a  reli- 
gion and  loved  it,  but  war,  as  it  had  devastated  their  plantations, 
ruined  transportation,  interfered  with  the  education  and  demolished 
their  government,  had  also  blinded  their  reason.  Bigotry  and  ignor- 
ance of  Catholicism  swayed  the  otherwise  generous  and  noble- 
minded  people,  and  the  progress  of  the  Benedictines  was  greatly 
checked  in  the  beginning  by  barriers  which  often  seemed  insur- 
mountable. The  poor  people  of  North  Carolina  misunderstood  the 
visitors  and  failed  to  recognize  in  them  the  men  whose  influence 
should  do  so  much  in  restoring  peace,  in  healing  the  wounds  of  the 
war  and  in  spreading  Catholic  education,  which  had  just  begun  to 
flourish  in  the  South  when  the  war  broke  out,  and,  like  everything 
else,  had  been  abandoned  in  the  fight  for  personal  freedom. 

In  the  year  1876  two  propositions  were  placed  before  the  Chap- 
ter of  St.  Vincent's,  the  Benedictine  arch-abbey  at  Beatty,  Pa.  One 
was  a  Western  university,  very  promising,  with  a  liberal  guarantee, 
and  the  other  a  plantation  or  wilderness  in  the  woods  of  North  Caro- 
lina.     The  plantation  was  a  gift  to  the  Vicar  Apostolic  Gibbons  (now 


cr 


Cardinal  and  Archbishop  of  Baltimore)  from  the  Rev.  Jeremiah 
O'Connell.  To  the  great  amazement  of  a'l  the  South,  the  proposi- 
tion was  accepted  and  a  band  of  Benedictines  was  sent  South  imme- 
diately to  found  a  monastery  on  the  site  known  as  ^'Caldwell's 
Place,"  in  Gaston  County. 

Amidst  these  natural  disadvantages,  for  the  locality  was  most 
uninviting,  and  the  natives  rather  hostile  to  these  intruders,  as  they 
considered  them,  little  progress  could  reasonably  be  expected;  but, 
with  the  blessing  of  the  Divine,  the  colony  prospered.  The  monks 
dwelt  in  a  log  cabin,  built  a  frame  chapel  (which  was  dedicated  to 
Mary,  Help  of  Christians,  by  Abbot  Wimmer  on  his  first  visit  in 
1876)  erected  a  small  brick  college  and  began  at  once  the  task  of 
instructing  the  Catholic  boys  of  the  South,  The  attendance  at  first 
was  small  and  the  work  of  sustaining  the  college  was  most  difficult, 
but,  by  ''work  and  prayer",  the  Benedictine  motto,  they  succeeded 
in  time. 

In  1884  the  Southern  Benedictine  missions— Richmond  and  Sav- 
annah— were  made  independent  from  St.  Vincent,  Pa.,  and  added 
to  Belmont  as  their  center,  and  it  was  proposed  to  erect  it  into  an 
Abbey.  Pope  Leo  XIII,  only  too  willing  to  reward  the  diligent 
labors  and  zeal  of  the  Arch-Abbot  Wimmer  and  his  faithful  follow- 
ers, gladly  confirmed  the  arrangement  by  Papal  Brief  and  gave  the 
monastery  its  official  title.  This  was  a  great  honor  to  so  hopeless 
and  indigent  an  abbey,  which  could  not  at  that  time  claim  a  single 
priest  as  its  own  and  show  but  bare  possibilities  of  ever  sending 
forth  home-instructed  priests. 

Following  closely  upon  the  elevation  of  the  Belmont  mission  to 
an  abbey,  the  arch-abbot  at  St.  Vincent's  called  his  ordination  class 
of  clerics,  spoke  to  them  of  the  Southern  missions  in  glowing  terms, 
impressed  them  with  the  lofty  zeal,  noble  work  and  self-sacrifice 
pleasing  to  God,  which  would  accompany  such  an  undertaking; 
asked  them  to  show  the  true  qualities  that  should  characterize  the 
faithful  follower  of  Christ  and  son  of  St.  Benedict,  and  then  called 
for  volunteers.  Thus  was  the  new  community  formed — of  several 
Benedictines  already  stationed  in  the  South,  four  priests,  four  sub- 
deacons  and  two  clerics,  volunteered  from  St.  Vincent's. 

The  next  important  event  in  the  history  of  the  abbey  was  the 
election  of  an  abbot.      This  was  done  on  July  14  of  the  same  year, 


and  the  choice  fell  upon  the  assistant  rector  of  St.  Vincent  College  and 
one  of  the  ablest  professors — Father  Leo  Haid,  O.S.B.  Thus  was  se- 
lected one  of  St.  Vincent's  most  worthy  and  faithful  sons,  who  though 
young  in  years  was  already  old  in  apostolic  zeal,  and  who  burned  with 
that  monastic  spirit  and  noble  self-sacrifice  of  the  true  missionary, 
which  most  aptly  suited  him  for  the  difficult  task  of  governing  Bel- 
mont Abbey. 

In  due  time  the  election  of  Abbot  Leo  Haid  was  confirmed  by 
the  Holy  See,  and  on  the  26th  of  November,  1885 — Thanksgiving  Day — 
in  the  Cathedral  of  St.  John  the  Baptist,  at  Charleston,  S.  C,  the  sol- 
emn Abbatial  benediction  bestowed  by  Bishop  Northrop,  then  Vicar 
Apostolic  of  North  Carolina,  interested  all  of  Catholic  America,  for  it 
was  the  most  important  ceremony  of  the  kind  ever  witnessed  in  the 
Carolinas,  and  was  truly  a  sign  that  Catholicism  in  the  Old  North  State 
was  revived. 

Abbot  Leo  immediately  assumed  his  duties  as  abbot.  His  per- 
sonal supervision  of  every  department,  whether  it  was  the  class  room, 
the  choir  or  the  missions,  evoked  widespread  admiration  and  showed 
how  well  he  was  suited  for  the  post.  On  May  4,  1886,  Abbot  Leo  laid 
the  corner-stone  of  St.  Mary's  College.  The  ceremonies,  never  before 
witnessed  by  the  natives  of  this  section,  were  of  great  interest,  and 
the  people,  both  white  and  black,  hastened  to  take  part  in  the  event. 
In  the  course  of  a  few  years  St.  Mary's  grew  until,  when  completed, 
it  afforded  accommodations  for  a  hundred  students,  and  the  earnest 
wish  of  the  youthful  abbot  was  fulfilled.  The  same  year  witnessed 
the  rebuilding  and  enlargement  of  the  frame  chapel  and  its  rededica- 
tion  on  Christmas  day.  The  fame  of  the  institution  spread.  Students 
from  all  States  came  flocking  in,  and  a  number  of  young  men,  attrac- 
ted by  the  example,  and  led  by  a  Divine  power,  asked  admission  into 
the  community,  to  be  enrolled  as  sons  of  the  great  founder  of  the 
Benedictine  Order,  and  thus  be  enabled  to  assist  in  the  work  of  educa- 
ting and  instructing  the  Catholic  youth  of  the  South. 

About  this  period  in  the  history  of  Belmont  Abbey  some  oppo- 
sition was  raised  by  the  North  Carolina  Presbyterian  Convention 
which  looked  dangerous.  The  wonderful  and  rapid  growth  of  the 
monastery  caused  the  Convention  great  consternation,  and  it  passed 
many  violent  resolutions  to  oust  the  "Romish  encroachment  and 
usurpation"  of  territory,  hitherto  wholly  and  exclusively  Protestant. 


Rt.  Rev.  Archabbot  Boniface  Wimmer,  O.S.B. 


Amid  these  declamations  and  harangues  of  some  ill-advised  preach- 
ers, the  Benedictines  continued  to  ^^pray  and  work"  with  their  char- 
acteristic silence  and  diligence.  The  Convention,  finding  no  oppo- 
sition, gradually  ceased  troubling  the  Catholics  and  the  abbey  con- 
tinued to  grow  and  prosper  in  peace. 

Soon  after,  on  December  7,  1887,  word  was  received  from  Rome 
that  Abbot  Leo  had  been  appointed  Vicar  Apostolic  of  North  Caro- 
lina. The  honor,  unsought  and  undesired  by  the  recipient,  proved 
a  great  joy  to  the  institution  and  its  connections.  The  report  was 
confirmed  by  Archbishop  Gibbons,  of  Baltimore,  and  the  tidings  were 
sent  immediately  to  St.  Vincent's  that  all  might  rejoice  in  the  eleva- 
tion to  the  Vicariate  of  one  of  their  own  number.  The  news  came 
while  the  good  old  Archabbot  was  dying,  and  he  expired  on  the  follow- 
ing day,  expressing  his  sincerest  congratulations  to  the  Abbot  Leo 
for  the  singular  honor  bestowed  upon  him. 

The  churchmen  of  the  South  were  not  surprised.  They  knew 
that  the  good  works  and  diligent  efforts  of  Abbot  Leo  would  not  be 
overlooked  in  the  appointment  of  a  Vicar  Apostolic.  The  episcopal 
consecration  took  place  in  the  Cathedral  of  Baltimore  on  July  1, 
1888.  Cardinal  Gibbons  officiated  as  consecrating  Bishop  and  was 
assisted  by  Bishop  Northrop,  of  Charleston,  and  Bishop  Becker,  of 
Savannah.  Benedictines  from  far  and  near  flocked  to  witness  the 
consecration  of  their  younger  brother  in  Christ,  and  by  their  very 
presence  gave  evidence  of  the  joy  they  felt  in  the  distinguished 
honor  conferred  upon  a  son  of  St.  Benedict.  On  July  14,  in  St. 
Thomas  Pro -Cathedral,  at  Wilmington,  N.  C,  the  newly  consecrated 
Bishop  was  solemnly  enthroned  by  Cardinal  Gibbons. 

In  the  history  of  Belmont  Abbey  important  events  followed  in 
rapid  succession.  The  College  was  enlarged  in  1889;  the  forest 
gave  place  to  fertile  plantations  under  the  diligent  laboring  hands  of 
the  lay  brothers;  stables,  barns  and  other  outbuildings  were  erec- 
ted, modern  improvements  installed  in  both  College  and  Monastery, 
and  everything  showed  progress. 

In  August,  1890,  Bishop  Haid  was  elected  president  by  the  An- 
nual Chapter  of  the  Cassinese  Congregation.  He  held  the  office  for 
two  terms,  but  owing  to  the  many  important  duties  laid  upon  the 
Bishop-abbot  he  was  forced  to  decline  a  third  nomination. 


The  next  important  happenings  in  the  abbey's  life  were  the 
laying  of  the  corner-stone  of  the  new  Abbey  Church  on  St.  Patrick's 
Day,  1892,  and  then  the  dedication,  on  St.  Leo's  Day,  1894,  by  Car- 
dinal Gibbons.  Many  bishops,  abbots  and  priests  from  every  part 
of  the  country  were  present  to  witness  the  dedication  ceremonies. 
The  abbey  church  is  a  beautiful  specimen  of  Gothic  architecture, 
built  of  brick  and  granite  trimmings.  The  cost  of  erecting  the  edi- 
fice, aside  from  the  labor  of  the  monks  themselves,  approaches 
closely  upon  $40,000.  The  stained  glass  windows  alone  are  consid- 
ered the  finest  in  America,  for  they  won  the  first  prize  at  the 
World's  Fair  at  Chicago  in  1893.  The  interior  is  beautified  by  beau- 
tiful mural  decorations,  paintings,  and  five  altars,  all  in  keeping 
with  the  general  plan  of  the  church. 

In  the  following  year  the  monastery  was  again  enlarged  and 
place  made  for  the  accommodation  of  more  students  in  the  college. 
These  and  many  minor  improvements  placed  Belmont  Abbey  among 
the  first  of  monastic  institutions  in  the  South.  A  beautiful  repro- 
duction of  the  Grotto  of  Lourdes  was  built  in  1890  and,  with  all  the 
pomp  and  ceremony  of  the  Catholic  Church,  dedicated  the  following 
year.  Gradual  improvements  have  been  made  here  in  the  past  few 
years  and  at  present  the  Grotto  is  one  of  the  finest  and  most  artistic 
of  its  kind  in  America.  It  is  now  a  place  of  great  interest  to  visi- 
tors and  to  the  devotionaily  inclined,  and  especially  in  May,  a  re- 
treat for  prayers  and  devotions. 

The  rapid  growth  and  flourishing  condition  of  the  abbey  was, 
however,  checked  in  1900,  when,  on  May  19th,  a  terrible  fire  broke 
out.  The  flames  were  discovered  at  4  A.  M.,  while  the  monks 
were  at  matins.  All  hastened  immediately  to  check  the  mad  rush 
of  the  conflagration,  which,  fanned  by  a  heavy  wind,  was  rapidly 
destroying  the  college.  The  work  of  the  fire -fighters  was,  how- 
ever, of  no  avail.  While  the  fire  was  at  its  height  and  the  flames 
raged  and  threatened  the  destruction  of  the  whole  institution,  the 
wind  shifted  its  course  and  the  fire  died  out  gradually.  Though 
two-thirds  of  the  college  had  been  destroyed,  the  monastery  re- 
mained untouched.  News  of  the  disaster  spread  rapidly  and  through 
the  generous  aid  received  from  all  sides,  Protestant  friends  in  Char- 
lotte alone  donating  $5000,  there  arose  from  the  ashes  of  the  old  a 
more  beautiful  college. 

6 


Three  years  ago  a  large  gymnasium,  valued  at  $35,000,  was 
erected.  It  is  a  brick  structure  of  three  stories  and  contains  be- 
sides the  gymnasium  proper  an  auditorium  with  a  fully  equipped 
stage,  music  rooms,  band  hall,  six  recreation  parlors,  painting, 
typewriting  and  athletic  rooms,  and  all  modern  improvements — bath 
rooms,  steam  heating  and  electric  lights.  Together  with  this  hand- 
some edifice  the  buildings  all  told  now  represent  probably  $250,000, 
It  is  indeed  a  wonderful  transformation  that  twenty-five  years  made; 
from  a  log  cabin  in  a  wilderness  to  the  handsome  buildings  which 
now  grace  the  site  of  Belmont  Abbey,  How  eloquently  this  speaks 
of  the  wonderful  progress  made  by  the  promoter  of  Catholic  in- 
struction in  the  ^'Land  of  the  Sky." 

The  foregoing,  in  brief,  is  a  history  of  the  development  of  Bel- 
mont Abbe}'^  under  the  able  leadership  of  its  worthy  and  saintly 
abbot,  Bishop  Leo  Haid. 

It  must  not,  however,  be  supposed  that  the  Benedictines  concen- 
trated their  efforts  in  the  missionary  work  alone,  though  any  one  vis- 
iting Belmont  Abbey  cannot  feel  but  convinced  that  sufficient  work 
for  one-quarter  of  a  century  has  surely  been  done  in  the  Old  North 
State.  Nothwithstanding  this  monks  were  sent  from  Belmont  to  Vir- 
ginia, Georgia  and  Florida,  where  through  their  earnest  application 
they  have  built  churches, schools  and  other  institutions,  which  now  stand 
as  monuments  to  the  noble  labors  of  all  those  Catholics,  whether  laity 
or  clergy,  who  have  united  to  instruct  the  CathoUc  South.  These  in- 
stitutions are  branch  houses  of  Belmont.  The  motto  selected  for  the 
Abbot  of  Belmont  was  ''Crescat"  ;  the  armorial  design,  a  pine  tree, 
whose  spreading  branches  are  the  symbolic  fulfilment  of  the  original 
intention  of  planting  and  spreading  Catholicism  in  the  South.  A  short 
sketch  of  these  branch  houses,  since  they  are  so  closely  united  with 
the  mother-house  at  Belmont,  will  therefore  not  be  out  of  place. 

St.  Leo's  Abbey. — In  18S9  Bishop  Leo  Haid  visited  the  poor  Cath- 
olic colony  of  St.  Antonio  in  Florida,  a  mission  which  had  become  the 
property  of  Belmont  Abbey,  since  it  was  too  destitute  to  support  it- 
self. Charmed  with  the  locality  and  with  the  prospects  of  finding  a 
promised  land,  the  Bishop  accepted  forty  acres  of  land  on  the  shore  of 
Lake  Janita  and  sent  several  of  his  priests  to  the  new  site  to  build  up 
the  mission.  A  college  was  built,  and  a  little  later  a  monastery,  which 
in  1902  was  raised  to  the  dignity  of  an  abbey,  with  the  Rev.  Charles 

Mohr  as  abbot. 

7 


Richmond.— In  I860  St.  Mary's  Church,  with  a  congregation 
mostly  of  German  Catholics,  was  placed  in  charge  of  the  Benedic- 
tines. The  Rev.  Father  Polk,  S.J.,  then  pastor  of  St.  Mary's  was 
called  to  Georgetown  and  he  desired  that  the  congregation  belong  to 
some  religious  order,  and  thus  the  change  was  brought  about. 
Father  Polk  appealed  to  Archabbot  Wimmer  and  the  result  was  that 
the  Rev.  F.  Leonard  Mayer,  0.  S.  B. ,  was  sent  to  Richmond  as  the 
first  Benedictine  pastor.  Father  Leonard  was  an  eloquent  preacher, 
an  accomplished  musician  and  a  man  of  great  kindliness  and  force  of 
character,  and  through  thirteen  years  of  arduous  labor  he  won  the 
esteem  and  love  of  all.  Even  now  his  memory  is  still  cherished  by 
the  Richmond  people. 

Among  the  Benedictine  pastors  of  St.  Mary's  mention  must  be 
made  of  the  Rev.  Willibald  Baumgartner,  0.  S.  B.,  who  was  pastor 
from  1885-1900.  During  this  period  St.  Mary's  was  incorporated  in- 
to and  became  a  dependent  of  Belmont  Abbey.  Father  Willibald 
built  the  present  priory  and  school  buildings,  erected  an  academy 
for  girls  and  improved  the  Catholic  cemetery. 

The  Rev.  Father  William  Mayer,  0.  S.  B.,  was  the  next  pastor, 
but  he  died  after  a  brief  pastorate  March  14,  1904. 

The  Rev.  Edward  Meyer,  0.  S.  B.,  succeeded  Father  William 
as  pastor  in  April,  1904.  Like  his  worthy  predecessors.  Father  Ed- 
ward worked  tirelessly  and  diligently,  and  to  him  is  due  much  of  the 
spiritual  and  material  progress  of  St.  Mary's.  He  paid  off  an  im- 
mense debt  and  thereby  removed  a  heavy  burden  from  the  shoul- 
ders of  his  parishioners.  Father  Edward  also  enlarged  the  convent 
for  the  Benedictine  Sisters,  installed  modern  improvements  in  all 
the  buildings,  and  remodelled  the  church  both  interiorily  and  exteri- 
orily  at  the  expense  of  $17,000.  However,  by  dint  of  exertion,  he 
cleared  the  church  from  all  debt,  and  it  was  a  true  cause  of  rejoic- 
ing on  December  8,  1905,  when  St.  Mary's  celebrated  its  golden 
jubilee. 

St.  Joseph's,  Bristow,  Va.  —  A  large  tract  of  land  south  of 
Washington,  D.  C,  taking  up  in  part  the  historical  battle-field  of 
Bull  Run,  was  offered  to  Belmont  Abbey  in  1890  as  a  site  for  the 
erection  of  an  industrial  school  for  boys  and  girls.  Unusual  as  the 
proposal  was  for  the  Benedictines,  they  accepted  and  the  offer  was 
confirmed  by  Pope  Leo  XIII.      Father  Julius,  0.  S.  B. ,    was   chosen 

8 


to  undertake  the  difficult  task  of  erecting  this  institution,  which  has 
since,  under  his  able  management,  developed  into  the  beautiful  and 
prospering  establishment  known  as  St.  Joseph's  Institute  and  St. 
Maur's  Priory.  Laboring  under  great  difficulties  arising  from  ex- 
treme poverty  and  lack  of  funds,  the  task  was  very  discouraging. 
But  by  diligence  and  perseverance  the  prior  and  his  co-religious,  as- 
sisted by  financial  aid  from  outside  friends,  finally  succeeded  in 
establishing  a  prosperous  and  self-supporting  institution.  The  Bene- 
dictine nuns  also  secured  a  site  near  St.  Joseph's  Institute  and  erected 
a  large  and  beautiful  academy,  which  has  since  surpassed  all  expec- 
tations. This  Benedictine  settlement  is  one  of  the  most  promising 
in  America:  it  is  near  the  National  Capital,  which  fact  greatly  enhances 
the  value  of  its  lands,  which  comprise  about  two  thousand  acres. 

Savannah,  Ga. — Since  the  founding  of  Belmont  Abbey  the  tree 
has  never  ceased  to  grow  and  we  therefore  need  not  be  surprised 
to  learn  that  it  has  also  spread  its  branches  over  the  state  of  Georgia. 
It  was  by  Apostolic  favor  that  Benedictine  missions  in  Georgia  were 
transferred  to  the  newly  built  Belmont  Abbey.  There  was  the  Sacred 
Heart  Church,  a  struggling  mission  at  Savannah,  which  could  num- 
ber but  a  few  hundred  Cathohcs.  On  the  Isle  of  Skidaway  v/as  a 
colored  mission  which  was  also  included  in  the  Sacred  Heart  parish. 
This  island  mission  was  transferred  to  the  city  when  St.  Benedict's 
Church,  exclusively  for  colored  Catholics  of  Savannah,  was  built. 
When  the  Benedictines  took  hold  of  the  Sacred  Heart  parish  many 
and  heavy  obstacles  had  to  be  overcome  before  the  church  could  be 
placed  upon  a  secure  foundation.  But  they  succeeded;  the  congre- 
gation had  increased  rapidly  and  soon  gave  evidence  of  wonderful 
prosperity.  The  Rev.  Father  Aloysius  O'Hanlon,  O.  S.  B.,  was  ap- 
pointed as  rector  in  1899,  and  with  him  came  an  infusion  of  new  spirit- 
ual progress.  An  energetic  movement  was  begun  for  still  greater 
improvement  of  the  parish.  In  1901  a  military  college  was  established 
by  the  Rt.  Rev.  Leo  Haid  and  the  energetic  and  much  experienced 
Father  Bernard  Haas,  0.  S.  B.,  was  appointed  to  the  office  of  rector, 
which  he  still  holds.  The  site,  however,  of  the  church  and  college 
on  Habersham  Street  was  very  inconvenient  and  unsuitable.  The 
parish  was  increasing  so  rapidly  that  it  was  found  necessary  to  go 
to  the  expense  of  buying  a  valuable  tract  of  land  on  Bull  Street.  In 
1902  the  corner-stone  of  the  present  handsome  church  of  the  Sacred 

9 


Heart  was  laid  by  the  Rt.  Rev.  Ordinary  Bishop  Keily,  D.D.  In  two 
years'  time  the  beautiful  church,  the  rectory  and  the  spacious  col- 
lege were  completed.  The  college  has  been  incorporated  as  a  Geor- 
gia Military  Academy  and  the  roll-call  of  students  has  been  increas- 
ing amazingly  in  the  past  six  years.  This  group  of  buildings,  im- 
posing as  they  are,  is  an  ornament  to  the  city,  a  sign  of  lasting 
proof  of  the  zeal  and  the  nobly  sacrificed  toil  of  the  men  who  were 
sent  there  to  spread  the  Catholic  doctrine  in  Dixie. 

We  have  now  dwelt  at  some  length  upon  the  histories  of  the 
branch-houses  of  Belmont  Abbey.  We  saw  how  they  have  grown 
from  beginnings  destitute  and  almost  hopeless  into  the  finest  supports 
and  institutions  of  the  Catholic  religion  and  Catholic  education.  The 
choice  of  "Crescat"  for  a  motto  was  most  aptly  made.  It  is  after  all 
the  logical  result  of  the  Benedictine  spirit  of  "work  and  prayer." 
The  pine  tree  has  grown  with  wonderful  rapidity,  in  strength,  size 
and  endurance.  Indeed,  the  Abbey  is  a  great  institution  and  the 
mother  of  a  noble  offspring.  The  Southern  Benedictine  Society 
has  become  a  power,  and  the  Catholic  South  is  greatly  indebted  to  it. 
May  it  continue  long  the  work  so  well  begun,  and  may  it  live  to  reap 
the  fruits  of  its  twenty-five  years  of  toil  and  labor,  and  may  the  noble 
Benedictine  Fathers  ever  enjoy  the  favor  and  blessings  of  the  God 
for  love  of  Whom  they  have  given  up  all,  and  taken  up  the  cross  to 
follow  their  divine  Leader — the  Founder  of  Christianity. 


10 


>ohmn  iErwtton  of  tljp  "Abbatta  NuUtua" 
Wcttxhst  18.  1910 


(Rev.  G.  W.  Woods  in  the  "Catholic  Standard  and  Times"? 


In  the  past  score  of  years  the  Abbey  Church  at  Belmont,  N.  C, 
has  been  the  scene  of  much  magnificent  pomp  and  ceremony  as  occa- 
sion gave  rise  and  reason  to  carry  out  the  beautiful  liturgical  cere- 
monials of  the  Catholic  Church.  Never,  however,  in  the  history  of 
North  Carolina,  nay,  of  the  whole  of  the  Southland,  has  the  ceremony 
of  Tuesday,  October  18,  been  ecUpsed,  The  reason  therefore  is 
unique  in  the  annals  of  Catholicity  on  this  side  of  the  Atlantic. 

Pope  Pius  X  has  seen  fit  to  confer  on  Right  Rev.  Abbot  Haid, 
O.  S.  B.,  D.  D.,  of  Belmont  Abbey,  a  signal  proof  of  his  personal 
regard  and  of  his  hearty  approval  of  the  work  of  the  Abbot-Bishop 
in  his  almost  twenty-five  years'  administration  of  Catholic  affairs  in 
the  Old  North  State.  This  honor  is  nothing  less  than  the  official 
erection  of  Belmont  Abbey  into  an  ^^Abbatia  Nullius, "  or  Cathedral 
Abbey,  having  its  own  domain  and  jurisdiction  therein,  subject  only 
to  the  authority  of  the  Holy  Father  himself.  The  ceremony  of  Tues- 
day was  consequent  upon  the  official  promulgation  of  the  papal  de- 
cree. 

Preparations  of  the  most  elaborate  kind  had  been  made  for  the 
occasion.  The  abbey  buildings,  St.  Mary's  College,  Sacred  Heart 
College,  and  the  principal  places  of  business  in  town  had  been  pro- 
fusely and  beautifully  decorated.  Intertwined  with  the  Papal  colors, 
white  and  gold,  were  the  orange  and  black  of  St.  Mary's,  the  blue 
and  white  of  Sacred  Heart  and  the  tri-color  of  patriotism.  Great 
arches  of  sweet-smelling  cedar,  gaudy  with  flags  and  the  Papal  col- 
ors, and  bearing  such  mottoes  as  ''1885 — Jubilate  Deo— 1910, "  "Ecce 
Sacerdos  Magnus, "  ''Welcome  to  Belmont, "  had  been  erected  at 
the  various  approaches,  and  lent  an  air  of  joy  and  gladness  to  the 
surroundings. 

11 


From  far  and  near  the  dignitaries  and  prelates  of  the  Church, 
the  regular  and  secular  clergy,  the  personal  friends  of  the  honored 
abbot  and  the  laity  generally  had  gathered,  so  that  the  large  seat- 
ing capacity  of  the  church  was  taxed  to  its  utmost. 

Promptly  on  the  hour  the  procession  left  the  main  entrance  of 
the  abbey  for  the  church.  First  came  the  bearer  of  the  abbey 
cross,  Rev.  Father  Mark,  0.  S.  B.,  attended  by  a  retinue  of  altar 
boys  and  acolytes.  The  visiting  clergy,  secular  and  religious,  were 
next  in  order,  followed  by  the  Monsignori  and  Right  Reverend  Bish- 
ops, who  had  gathered,  to  honor  by  their  presence,  their  friend  and 
host,  the  Right  Reverend  Abbot-Bishop.  Immediately  thereafter 
came  the  archiepiscopal  cross,  borne  by  Rev.  Father  Gallagher;  the 
deacons  of  honor,  Rev.  Fathers  Thomas  and  Bernard,  0.  S  .  B. ;  the 
sub-deacon  of  the  Mass,  Rev.  Father  James,  0.  S.  B. ;  the  deacon 
of  the  Mass,  Rev.  Father  Eugene,  0.  S.  B. ;  the  archpriest.  Very 
Rev.  Father  Polycarp,  O.  S.  B.,  and  the  Most  Reverend  celebrant. 
The  guest  of  honor.  Most  Reverend  Diomede  Falconio,  Apostolic 
Delegate  to  the  United  States,  the  Holy  Father's  representative  and 
the  bearer  of  the  new  decree,  was  to  celebrate  the  Solemn  Pontifi- 
cal Mass. 

An  imposing  sight  it  was  indeed.  The  cross-bearers  in  their 
golden  vestments,  the  red  and  black  cassocks  and  the  white  sur- 
plices of  the  acolytes,  the  clergy  in  beautiful  surplices,  often  of  cost- 
ly lace,  the  glowing  colors  of  purple  worn  by  the  Monsignori  and 
the  Bishops,  the  quiet,  contrasting  habit  of  the  abbot,  the  rich  red 
vestments  of  the  assistant  priest  and  of  the  deacons,  and  the  soft, 
clinging  gray  cassock  train  of  the  Papal  Delegate,  made  a  picture 
one  must  see  to  appreciate.  Down  the  flower-bordered  walks  the 
procession  wended  its  way,  through  avenues  lined  with  stately 
cedars,  under  the  arches  of  welcome  and  on  into  the  church.  A 
hush  fell  on  the  assembled  multitude;  the  sweet  strains  of  the 
orchestra  broke  out  into  the  Festal  March  as  silently,  grandly  the 
procession  moved  on  into  the  sanctuary. 

Imagine  a  church  which  is  a  beautiful  example  of  the  finest 
gothic  architecture ;  embellish  it  with  lofty  walls  and  large,  imposing 
windows,  the  most  beautiful  product  of  the  artist  in  stained  glass; 
picture  to  yourself  the  vaulted  dome  of  a  ceiling  so  far  aloft  that 
one's  thoughts  naturally  rise  therefrom  to  heaven;    paint  for  your- 

12 


self  the  mental  picture  of  a  noble  sanctuary,  and  therein  a  high 
altar  of  the  most  devotional  and  artistic  beauty,  glittering  with  a 
myriad  of  lights,  heavy  with  the  fragrance  of  countless  roses,  and 
beaatifully  decorated  v/ith  potted  plants;  flank  that  sanctuary  on 
the  left  with  the  throne  of  the  celebrant,  and  on  the  right  with  the 
thrones  of  the  assisting  Bishops;  make  gorgeous  the  picture  by  in- 
cluding the  rich  red  and  gold  vestments  of  the  celebrant  and  his 
assistants,  and  over  all  spread  an  air  of  deep  silence,  of  reverence 
and  devotion,  and  perhaps  you  may  be  able  to  catch  something  of 
th2  spirit  that  overwhelmed  your  correspondent  and  moved  him  to 
utter:  '^Indeed,  it  is  good  for  us  to  be  here;  here  is  the  house 
of  God." 

But  now  we  no  longer  see  the  slight  figure  in  gray,  for  the 
Most  Reverend  celebrant  has  been  clothed  in  the  Mass  vestments, 
and  these,  like  those  of  his  assistants,  are  of  the  same  regal  color. 
Today  is  the  feast  of  St.  Luke  the  Evangelist,  and  his  death  is  thus 
commemorated  by  the  color  of  the  vestments. 

Capped  with  the  miter  and  carrying  in  his  hand  the  shepherd's 
crook  or  crozier,  emblems  of  his  spiritual  authority,  the  Most  Rev- 
erend celebrant  proceeds  from  the  throne  to  the  foot  of  the  altar. 
Then  the  Mass  begins — the  soft,  sweet  strains  of  the  Introit,  sung 
by  the  Gregorian  choir,  mingling  with  the  Confiteor  of  the  minis- 
ters. Now  the  altar  is  incensed,  great  clouds  of  fragrant  odor 
ascending  in  honor  of  the  Most  High,  The  glad,  joyful  notes  of  the 
^'Gloria"  are  succeeded  by  the  Gradual,  and  the  sub-deacon  ad- 
vances to  read  the  epistle  appointed  for  the  day.  The  deacon  re- 
ceives the  Most  Reverend  celebrant's  blessing,  and  as  the  strains  of 
the  Alleluja  die  softly  away  proceeds  to  read  the  gospel.  A  closing 
burst  of  harmony  marks  the  end  of  the  Credo.  A  moment  later  the 
altar  is  again  incensed,  and  now  a  hush  of  reverent  stillness  hangs 
over  the  scene,  compelling,  as  it  were,  the  attention  and  devotion 
of  the  worshipers.  The  Sacred  Host  is  consecrated;  the  Word  be- 
comes the  food  of  men's  souls.  Somewhere  a  bell  tingles  sweetly, 
as  in  momentary  adoration  of  the  Real  Presence  the  celebrant  kneels 
in  humble  homage.      Oh,  it  thrills  every  fibre  of  one's  being! 

The  kiss  of  peace  is  given;  the  Holy  Communion  is  made;  the 
blessing  of  God  on  the  assemblage  is  invoked;  the  second  gospel  is 
read;  the  Mass  is  over. 

13 


At  the  dose  of  the  Mass  Right  Rev.  Abbot  Charles,  O.S.B.,  of 
St.  Leo's,  Florida,  read  the  decree  of  erection  whereby  the  honor 
to  Belmont  Abbey  was  conveyed.  In  clear,  bell-like  tones,  won- 
derfully distinct,  every  word  falling  separately  on  the  hearing,  it 
was  a  pleasure  to  listen  to  the  language  of  Cicero,  read  by  the  elo- 
quent abbot.  The  reading  of  the  document  finished,  the  Apostolic 
Delegate  paid  an  honest,  glowing  tribute  to  the  Benedictine  Order. 
Taking  for  his  subject  the  life  and  labors  of  St.  Benedict,  he  drew 
in  vivid  colors  a  picture  of  the  times  and  the  conditions  under 
which  the  saint  lived  and  labored,  and  the  wonderful  success  with 
which  God  had  blessed  his  efforts.  The  humble  beginnings  of  Subi- 
aco  and  Monte  Cassino  were  to  increase  as  the  Scriptural  grain  of 
mustard  seed,  and  the  small  handful  of  followers  who  at  first  associ- 
ated themselves  with  their  founder  were  to  become  a  legion.  Europe 
in  particular  and  civilization  in  general  can  never  even  estimate, 
much  less  repay,  the  debt  they  owe  to  the  labors  of  St.  Benedict 
and  his  sons.  Popes,  kings,  emperors,  princes,  queens,  the  nobili- 
ty and  the  humblest  of  the  laity  alike  donned  the  Benedictine  habit 
and  took  upon  them  the  Benedictine  rule.  True  to  their  motto, 
^'Ora  et  Labora,"  they  covered  the  land  with  institutes  of  learning 
and  houses  sacred  to  the  worship  of  God. 

For  the  Right  Reverend  Abbot-Bishop,  who  by  his  prayers  and 
labors  has  wrought  so  untiringly  and  successfully  for  the  past  quarter 
of  a  century  in  the  South,  the  speaker  had  words  of  the  highest  praise. 
As  a  man  and  as  a  friend  he  loved  him  ;  as  a  priest  and  monk  he  re- 
vered him  as  a  true  son  of  St.  Benedict. 

Bishop  Haid  responded  as  follows :  "Your  Excellency,  Right 
Reverend  and  reverend  fathers,  dear  friends :  We  deeply  appreciate 
the  honor.  At  the  same  time  our  hearts  are  filled  with  joy  as  we  ten- 
der our  filial  thanks  to  His  Holiness  Pope  Pius  X — God  bless  him  ! — 
for  the  great  dignity  conferred  on  our  monastery  by  bestowing  on  it 
the  singular  rank  of  a  cathedral  abbey.  If  our  poor  efforts  in  the  past 
have  in  any  measure  merited  this  distinction,  we  hope  and  pray  that 
devotion  to  duty  in  the  future  will  be  an  assurance  that  we  are  not 
ungrateful.  To  Your  Excellency,  not  only  as  the  personal  and  official 
representative  of  our  august  Pontiff,  but  also  for  your  own  great 
kindness,  we  offer  our  sincerest  thanks.  Your  canonical  promulga- 
tion of  our  Holy  Father's  generous  act,  as  well  as  your  highly  appreci- 

14 


ated  sentiments  of  good-will,  will  ever  be  to  us  a  well-spring  of  grate- 
ful remembrance. 

''Our  happiness  is  crowned  by  the  presence  of  the  Right  Rever- 
end Bishops  of  the  Baltimore  province.  One  only  cannot  be  here, 
but  he  is  with  us  in  desire  and  heart.  I  need  not  say  why,  Right  Rev- 
erend brother  Bishops,  your  presence  today  is  so  consoling.  We  feel 
you  heartily  approve  the  Holy  Father's  act.  What  more  could  words 
express  ?  He  will  rejoice  when  our  letter  of  thanks  brings  this  to  his 
notice.  It  has  ever  been  the  glory  of  our  holy  Order,  and  the  true 
spirit  breathed  into  its  very  heart  by  St.  Benedict,  to  honor  and  obey 
those  whom  the  Holy  Ghost  has  chosen  to  govern  the  Church  of  God, 
Rest  assured  this  real  Benedictine  spirit  will  never  be  wanting  in  the 
members  of  Belmont  Abbey. 

"Need  I  say,  reverend  and  dear  fathers,  many  of  you  have  come 
from  great  distances  to  grace  our  jubilee,  that  we  feel  very  grateful 
to  all?  We  are  glad  to  share  our  joy  with  you.  From  my  heart,  Your 
Excellency,  Right  Reverend  and  reverend  fathers  and  dear  friends,  I 
bid  you  welcome  to  the  silver  jubilee  of  Belmont  Cathedral  Abbey." 

Again  the  orchestra  broke  forth  in  melody,  playing  the  Pontifical 
march  as,  taking  up  the  recessional,  the  procession  left  the  sanctuary 
and  returned  by  the  same  route  to  the  main  entrance  of  the  abbey. 
The  main  feature  of  the  ceremony  was  over. 

Among  the  guests  were  noted  the  following:  Most  Rev.  Dio- 
mede  Falconio,  Apostolic  Delegate  to  the  United  States;  Right  Rev. 
Bishop  Northrop,  of  Charleston;  Right  Rev.  Bishop  Monaghan,  of 
Wilmington ;  Right  Rev.  Bishop  Keiley,  of  Savannah ;  Right  Rev, 
Bishop  Corrigan,  of  Baltimore;  Right  Rev.  Abbot  Charles,  O.S.B., 
of  St.  Leo's,  Florida;  Right  Rev.  Mgr.  Decker,  of  Erie,  Pa.;  Very 
Rev.  F.  Felix,  O.S.B.,  D.D. ;  Very  Rev.  Ignatius  Lissner,  L.A.M. ; 
Very  Rev.  Fathers  Julius,  Alexius,  Polycarp,  Bernard,  and  Edward, 
all  of  the  Order  of  St.  Benedict;  Rev.  Fathers  Thomas,  Willibald, 
Gregory,  Leo,  Joseph,  Ignatius,  Eugene,  Vincent,  James,  William, 
Raphael,  Michael,  Charles,  Alphonse,  Augustine  and  Francis,  all  of 
the  Order  of  St.  Benedict. 

The  secular  clergy  were  represented  by  Rev.  Fathers  Price, 
Budds,  Dennen,  Schadewell,  Hickey,  McNamara,  Reddin,  Fleming, 
Callahan,  Gallagher,  Wehrle,  Marion,  Irwin,  Lanigan,  O'Brien, 
Thompson,  Gwynn,  Hannon,  McCarthy,  Whearty  and  Dillon. 

15 


The  Jubilee  Banquet  tendered  the  visiting  clergy  in  the 
afternoon  proved  a  most  formal  and  elaborate  affair.  Father 
Ignatius,  the  Reverend  Procurator,  personally  superintended  the 
service  and  his  management  reflected  the  greatest  credit  upon  him- 
self and  the  Abbey. 

The  dining  hall  was  tastefully  decorated  with  garlands  and 
streamers,  greatly  enhancing  the  beauty  of  an  already  beautiful 
monastic  refectory. 

There  were  no  formal  toasts,  but  Monsignor  Falconio  and 
Bishop  Haid  spoke  in  a  happy  vein.  Bishop  Northrop,  too,  de- 
lighted all  present  with  his  very  witty  remarks,  the  guests  applaud- 
ing again  and  again.  Rev.  F.  Felix,  Prior,  read  several  cablegrams 
and  telegrams  of  congratulations.  Monsignor  Decker's  speech 
closed  the  occasion. 

Mgr.  Falconio  returned  to  his  home  in  Washington,  D.  C,  at 
5.30  P,  M.  accompanied  by  V.  Rev.  F.  Edward,  0.  S.  B. 


From  the  students'  point  of  view,  one  of  the  most  enjoyable  af- 
fairs incidental  to  the  Jubilee  Celebration,  was  the  banquet  tendered 
the  boys  by  our  Right  Reverend  Bishop  on  Thursday,  Oct.  20th. 

The  refectory  was  elaborately  decorated  for  the  occasion,  flags 
and  streamers  of  bunting  being  used  with  pretty  effect. 

As  the  Bishop  entered,  accompanied  by  the  Fathers  Thomas, 
McCarthy,  Dillon  and  Raphael,  he  was  given  an  ovation.  The  Bishop 
responded  in  a  few  kind  words,  and  concluded  by  graciously  declaring 
the  afternoon  free,  an  announcement  that  at  all  times  tends  to  aid 
digestion. 


16 


bxi 


MW  ^f^^toenh  ^^a  ^mh,  ^.^.,  ®.^, 

^tsl|0p   anb  ^Jbij0t   of  ^elmont, 
Ptcar  ^p03tolir  of  ^ortij  Caraltna 

1885  -  1910 


Since  on  Cassino's  sacred,  storied  height 

Rose  the  great  Order,  that  in  God's  design 

Was  o'er  the  western  world  to  spread  the  light 
And  saving  graces  of  a  faith  divine, 

To  form  from  pagan  races,  wild  and  fierce, 

The  nations  that  should  bear  the  glorious  name 

Of  Christendom,  name  fraught  with  power  to  pierce 
All  hearts  that  own  its  majesty  of  fame. 

And  in  this  Realm  of  Christ  to  lay  the  great 

Foundation  stones,  on  which  might  proudly  rise 

In  stately  order  all  that  makes  a  state 

Strong  with  true  strength,  and  in  high  justice  wise, 

Long  years  have  passed — a  thousand  years  and  more— 

And  yet  we  see,  as  if  immortal  youth 
Had  been  the  gift  of  those  far  days  of  yore 

Filled  with  heroic  labors  for  God's  truth. 

The  Sons  of  Benedict  still  going  forth, 

As  strong  in  vigor  and  in  ardent  zeal 
As  when  from  east  to  west,  from  south  to  north. 

In  that  old  Roman  world  of  fire  and  steel. 

They  first  went  out  to  win  new  lands  for  Christ, 
To  dare  all  dangers  and  endure  all  loss, 

Counting  all  gain,  if  but  their  strength  sufficed 
To  draw  men's  hearts  to  bend  before  His  cross, 

17 


Apostles  still,  as  when  at  Gregory's  word 

Augustine  led  his  monks  to  Britain's  strand. 

Or  when  their  keels  the  stormy  waters  stirred 
Of  the  far  isles  beyond  the  northern  land. 

And  as  of  old,  where'er  the  need  is  most, 

The  hardship  greatest,  and  the  promise  least 

Of  earth's  reward,  sublimely  still  engrossed 

In  their  high  purpose,  which  has  never  ceased, 

Unhesitant  they  come,  as  here  they  came. 
In  answer  to  the  appealing  cry  for  aid, 

Which  to  their  ears  had  the  compelling  claim 
That  poverty  and  weakness  ever  made. 

As  soldiers  called  to  face  a  hope  forlorn. 
Choosing  again  the  hard,  heroic  part, 

And  led  by  one  who  bore,  most  fitly  worn, 
A  lion's  name  as  well  as  lion's  heart. 

To  this,  the  smallest  of  the  flocks  that  own 

Christ's  Vicar  as  their  shepherd,  forth  they  went, 

Daring  the  venture  in  His  strength  alone 

By  whom  on  such  brave  emprise  they  were  sent. 

And  now  behold  !  a  circle  of  the  years, 

Fourth  of  a  century's  swift  hast'ning  time, 

Filled  to  the  brim  with  labors,  hopes  and  fears, 
With  courage  high,  and  confidence  sublime. 

With  works  of  great  achievement  nobly  wrought, 
With  trials  still  more  nobly  overcome, 

Have  all  their  rich  fruition  proudly  bought, 

Their  garnered  harvest  in  full  splendid  sum, 

To  honor  him  unto  whose  fostering  care 

These  marvellous  results  are  chiefly  owed, 

Whose  steadfast  faith,  and  wisdom  ripe  and  rare 
The  way  to  true  success  have  ever  showed. 

For  like  those  famous  abbots  of  old  days, 

In  whom  the  scholar,  saint  and  statesman  met. 

Whose  glorious  deeds  the  centuries  still  praise, 
Whose  lasting  work  the  world  cannot  forget. 

Stands  forth  the  stately  form  of  him  we  greet 

On  this  his  day  of  happiest  jubilee. 
In  whom  the  same  high  gifts  and  powers  meet, 

In  whom  ^he  same  great  type  we  clearly  see. 


18 


As  once  in  them,  in  him  we  now  behold 

The  apostoHc  zeal  no  trials  daunt, 
One  who  in  toil  and  labors  manifold, 

With  quiet  strength  that  knows  no  need  of  vaunt, 

Has  laid  foundations  that  shall  long  endure, 

Has  made  waste  places  blossQ.n  like  the  rose, 

And  reared  aloft  the  fabric  fair  and  pure 

Of  the  great  faith  from  which  all  blessing  flows. 

And  as  a  crown  upon  these  fruitful  years. 

The  work  so  bravely  done  in  faith  and  hope, 

The  purpose  widening  as  each  chance  appears 
For  greater  effort,  and  for  broader  scope. 

We  have  seen  Belmont's  Abbot  take  and  bear, 
By  grace  of  him  who  sits  on  Peter's  throne, 

The  unique  honor  which  is  his  to  wear 

In  the  New  World  distinctive  and  alone. 

Cathedral-Abbey  !  —  so  we  know  it  now. 

The  young  foundation,  radiant  and  strong, 

And  hail  the  double  mitre  on  the  brow 

Of  him  we  pray  may  live  to  wear  it  long, 

He  who  a  double  burden  long  has  borne, 

As  Abbot  and  as  Bishop  truly  great. 
Has  carried  light  to  many  a  spot  forlorn. 

And  taught  the  lessons  that  men's  hearts  await, 

Of  knowledge,  wisdom,  guidance  in  the  ways 
That  lead  to  that  which  is  of  highest  worth. 

And  lends  eternal  value  to  the  days 

Of  our  brief  life  upon  this  troubled  earth. 

And  on  these  tireless  labors,  broad  and  clear. 

Heaven's  blessing  rests  for  all  men  to  discern. 

In  the  success  that  crowns  each  glorious  year 
To  which  we  now  with  grateful  tribute  turn. 

Then  let  the  grand  Te  Deum  rise  and  swell. 

Like  the  exultant  music  of  the  sea ! 
And  let  the  pealing  gladness  to  each  bell 

Ring  forth  the  tidings  of  this  Jubilee  ! 

From  earth  to  heaven  the  joyous  anthem  raise. 
In  which  a  myriad  hearts  their  greetings  blend, 

Praying  for  our  loved  Bishop  length  of  days, 
Honor  and  blessing  that  may  never  end. 

CHRISTIAN  REID. 


19 


(Tlfp  Abbot's  B^tlwr  Slubtbp 


On  Wednesday,  November  23,  at  three  o'clock  in  the  afternoon 
was  sounded  the  first  glad  note  celebrating  the  Silver  Abbatial 
Jubilee  of  our  Rt.  Rev.  Abbot  and  Bishop,  Leo  Haid,  0.  S.  B.  A 
vast  concourse  from  far  and  near  assembled  in  the  College  Music 
Hall  to  testify  their  respect  and  love  for  the  venerable  Jubilarian. 
Priests  from  the  Vicariate  of  North  Carolina,  over  which  he  has 
ruled  so  long  and  so  well;  members  of  the  laity  from  all  parts  of  the 
State;  old  friends  from  a  distance,  whom  he  had  not  seen  for  years; 
students  of  today,  now  enjoying  his  fostering  care;  old  students 
whom  he  had  taught  in  their  youth,  and  who  have  risen  to  positions 
of  responsibility  and  eminence ;  members  of  his  family,  who  had  come 
from  the  scenes  familiar  to  his  youthful  days;  priests  of  his  own 
community  now  laboring  in  far-off  fields;  nuns  from  home  and 
abroad;  his  brother  Abbots  from  Benedictine  monasteries  through- 
out the  country;  were  all  gathered  to  grace  this  happy  occasion  by 
their  welcome  presence. 

As  the  soft  strains  of  the  College  Orchestra,  which  greeted  the 
splendid  procession  of  priests,  prelates,  and  visitors  as  they  entered 
the  hall,  died  away,  V.  Rev.  Father  Felix,  Prior  of  the  Abbey  and 
Vicar  General  of  the  Vicariate,  spoke  a  few  words  of  heartfelt  wel- 
come to  the  assembled  guests;  and  then,  turning  to  the  Rt.  Rev. 
Abbot  and  Bishop  addressed  him  as  follows,  in  the  name  of  the  com- 
munity of  Belmont  Abbey: 
Rt.  Rev.  dear  Bishop  and  Abbot: 

After  welcoming  the  Rev.  Prelates  and  friends  it  is  my  happy 
duty  to  present  the  most  heartfelt  felicitations  of  our  Abbey  and  Vica- 
riate— be  assured,  dear  Father,  that  they  come  from  the  very  hearts 
of  your  spiritual  sons,  ever  filled  with  love  and  gratitude. 

Twenty-five  years  ago  you  left  your  beautiful  monastic  home  in 
the  state  of  your  birth,  Pennsylvania;  you  left  a  post  of  honor  which 
might  have  advanced  you  further  in  the  service  of  the  Church  than  you 
are  today;  you  came  to  the  poorest  of  the  Benedictine  colonies  then  in 
our  land,  a  place  which  could  not  cheer,  nor  brighten  any  possible 

20 


hope  of  success;  you  were  a  stranger  among  strangers.  Yet  you  came, 
a  valiant  lion,  not  only  in  name  but  in  deed.  With  almost  superhuman 
energy  of  will  you  threw  aside  every  obstacle,  overpowered  all  hard- 
ships and  trials;  and  today,  after  twenty  years  and  five,  you  can  tri- 
umphantly look  upon  what  has  been  accomplished.  Vicit  Leo!  From 
the  flowery  peninsula  of  distant  Florida  we  can  trace  your  work 
through  the  Empire  State  of  the  South;  and  from  fair  Virginia  mark 
your  ecclesiastical  enterprises  through  our  own  dear  state,  and  termi- 
nate them,  last  but  not  least,  at  the  gates  of  your  own  magnificent 
Abbey,  through  you  raisedto  the  highest  abbatial  dignity  in  the  Church. 
Yes,  vicit  Leo,  and  Belmont  Abbey  shall  ever  proudly  bear  on  its  shield 
the  golden,  lusty,  Hon  resting  on  its  field  of  green — "der  Loewe  auf 
der  Haide."  But  not  all — in  your  dual  dignity  as  Vicar  Apostohc  and 
as  Abbot — your  labors  were  multiplied,  and  your  cares  increased. 
Great  Bishops  preceded  you  as  Ordinaries  of  North  Carolina,  the 
first  our  eminent  Cardinal,  the  second  now  an  Archbishop,  and  the 
third  the  illustrious  Bishop  of  Charleston,  S.  C.  They  too  had  worked, 
and  preached,  and  prayed,  yet  in  the  nineteen  years  of  their  adminis- 
tration but  little  could  be  accomplished.  Why?  Messis  quidem  multa, 
operarii  autem  pauci.  You  were  able  to  pursue  a  more  favorable 
course.  Behind  your  monastic  walls  you  educated  your  workers.  The 
vanguards  in  the  field  as  students  sat  at  your  feet,  as  priests  they 
helped  to  plant  the  churches  from  the  mountains  to  the  sea.  It  is  not 
necessary  to  enumerate  all  the  churches  and  schools  built  in  your 
administration,  all  the  hospitals  and  homes  of  charity  opened,  and  all 
with  scarcely  six  thousand  souls  under  your  jurisdiction.  Vere  hoc 
opus  Dei  est. 

Yet  only  twenty-five  years  have  passed,  and  twenty-five  gold- 
en ones  are  yet  to  come.  When  the  first  wooden  shanty  was  blessed 
here  for  God's  service,  it  is  related  that  the  saintly  Archabbot  Wim- 
mer,  truly  filled  with  the  spirit  of  prophecy,  exclaimed:  Dies  wird 
einmal  eine  grosse  Abtei  werden,  ("This  will  one  day  be  a  great 
Abbey. ")  The  prophet's  words  are  fulfilled;  it  is  a  great  Abbey  today 
through  your  endeavors,  self-sacrifice,  and  spirit  of  a  true  Benedict- 
ine. Vicit  Leo!  Yet,  looking  into  the  distant  future,  our  illustrious 
Apostolic  Delegate,  after  he  had  conferred  on  your  Abbey  the  exal- 
ted rank  of  an  Abbatia  Nullius,  said  on  his  departure  to  his  compan- 
ions in  full  conviction  of  the  fact  in  his  own  beautiful  way:  "This 
will  once  be  a  great  Abbey".  Future  greatness  is  therefore  still  in 
store.  May  God  then  give  it  all,  may  He  preserve  you  to  high  old 
age,  our  beloved  Abbot  and  Bishop,  and  keep  and  protect  you  ever 
ut  videas  filios  filiorum  tuorum,  and  our  innermost  prayers  to  God 
are  today:  Dominus  conservet  pontificem  nostrum  Leonem,  et  vivifi- 
cet  eum,  et  beatum  facial  eum  in  terra. 

Only  one  more  word:  in  presenting  the  magnificent  gifts  which 

21 


are  spread  before  you  this  afternoon  I  re-echo  the  sentiments  of  all 
the  donors,  that  they  are  gifts  of  love  and  esteem.  Accept  them  in 
that  spirit.  They  are  mostly  destined  to  the  greater  honor  and  glo- 
ry of  God,  to  beautify  His  house,  to  increase  the  solemnity  of  eccle- 
siastical functions.  "Nothing  is  too  good  to  give  to  God"  was  the 
practical  motto  of  the  ages  of  faith,  the  echo  of  which  still  vibrates  in 
the  hearts  of  Christian  men  and  women  today.  May  the  magnificent 
mitre,  the  gorgeous  crosier,  the  jewelled  chalice,  the  sacred  vest- 
ments be  borne  and  worn  by  you  for  years  and  years  to  come — ut  in- 
omnibus  glorificetur  Deus. 


At  the  conclusion  of  the  remarks  of  Father  Prior  the  Jubilee  Ode, 
which  graces  our  opening  pages  was  read  by  the  distinguished  auth- 
or, Mrs.  Tiernan,  world-famed  under  the  pen  name  of  Christian  Reid. 
Mr.  Anthony  Felthaus  of  the  class  of  '89,  representing  the  par- 
ish of  St.  Mary's,  Richmond,  Va.  presented  a  magnificent  specimen 
of  Christian  art  in  the  form  of  a  solid  silver  crosier.  Mr.  Felthaus 
spoke  as  follows: 

"Ordinarily,  in  addressing  the  beloved  and  distinguished  head  of 
Belmont  Abbey,  I  would,  in  recognition  of  his  higher  office  as  the 
apostolic  representative  in  North  Carolina,  use  the  formal  salutation 
of  Right  Reverend  and  dear  Bishop,  but  on  this  occasion  I  beg  the 
privilege,  and  I  trust  I  may  be  pardoned,  if  in  addressing  your  rev- 
erence, I  use  the  more  endearing  term  of  Right  Reverend  Father 
Abbot,  a  term  especially  dear  to  the  older  students  of  Saint  Mary's 
College,  one  of  whom  I  have  the  honor  to  be. 

"l  have  been  signally  honored,  Rt.  Reverend  Father  Abbot,  in 
having  accorded  to  me  the  distinguished  privilege  of  conveying  to 
you  the  heartfelt  congratulations  of  the  members  of  St.  Mary's  par- 
ish at  Richmond,  on  this  the  silver  jubilee  of  your  elevation  to  the 
exalted  office  of  Abbot;  and  to  your  earnest  and  energetic  co-work- 
ers of  Belmont  Abbey,  all  of  whom  are  linked  together  in  the  golden 
bonds  of  unity,  I  bring  sincere  and  heartfelt  greetings. 

"The  members  of  St.  Mary's  parish  are  peculiarly  interested  in 
this  jubilee  celebration,  because  for  a  number  of  years  prior  to  the 
elevation  of  this  institution  to  the  dignity  of  an  abbey,  the  Benedic- 
tine fathers,  under  the  guidance  of  the  much  beloved  and  lamented 
Archabbot  Wimmer,  labored  in  that  parish  with  a  fidelity  and  a  de- 
votion worthy  the  name  of  faithful  sons  of  St.  Benedict. 

"Even  in  those  days  of  Umited  opportunities,  the  fire  and  zeal 
of  the  Benedictine  fathers  shone  forth  resplendently,  and  the  results 
of  their  early  labors  in  that  parish,  both   spiritually  and  materially, 

22 


left  an  impress  which  time  has  not  effaced. 

^'Under  the  patronage,  however,  of  the  Southern  Benedictine  So- 
ciety, so  ably  presided  over  by  you  as  Abbot,  a  new  era  of  prosperity 
dawned  upon  our  parish,  and  as,  through  your  wisdom  in  supplying 
us  with  priests,  whose  ardent  zeal  in  matters  spiritual  and  whose 
untiring  energy  in  matters  temporal,  have  been  productive  of  so 
much  good,  our  parish  has  been  so  signally  blessed,  we  feel  that  it 
is  not  only  a  pleasue,  but  a  duty,  publicly  to  express  to  you  and  to 
your  faithful  co-workers,  our  most  grateful  and  profound  apprecia- 
tion. ***** 

^'in  strolling  through  these  hallowed  halls,  filled  for  me  with 
sweet  recollections  of  bygone  days,  every  fibre  thrills  with  delight- 
ful emotions,  and  though  twenty  years  and  more  have  passed,  memo- 
ry still  fondly  lingers  about  those  happy  college  days. 

"it  seems  but  as  yesterday  when  the  students  of  years  ago 
offered  their  devotions  in  the  humble  chapel,  replaced  now  by  the 
magnificent  cathedral  which  greets  our  eyes;  the  handsome  build- 
ings, including  the  gymnasium  with  its  modern  equipment  for  the 
physical  development  of  the  pupils,  which  now  compose  the  college 
group,  stand  in  striking  contrast  to  the  one  single  wing  of  the  col- 
lege proper,  which  at  that  time  served  every  purpose  required;  the 
rough,  unkempt  paths  we  were  wont  to  tread  in  our  daily  rtrolls, 
have  given  place  to  regularly  laid-off  walks;  and  where  brush  and 
tangled  thicket  once  flourished  unrestrained,  beautifully  appointed 
grounds,  pleasing  and  attactive  in  their  park-like  effect  now  meet 
the  gratified  vision. 

"All  of  these  extensive  improvements  not  only  excite  the  ad- 
miration of  the  returned  student,  but  they  stand  as  testimony,  mute 
but  eloquent,  of  the  indomitable  energy,  the  earnest  endeavor,  the 
untiring  zeal,  the  unflinching  devotion,  even,  at  times,  in  the  face 
of  discouraging  conditions,  of  yourself  and  your  faithful  co-labor- 
ers, and  merit  the  highest  approbation  that  words  can  bestow  upon 
the  grand  and  noble  work  that  has  been  and  is  being  accomplished 
for  the  education  of  Catholic  young  men. 

"in  bringing  to  you,  Rt.  Reverend  Father  Abbot,  these  words 
of  congratulation  and  felicitation,  the  earnest  and  sincere  expression 
of  hearts  filled  with  gratitude  for  the  many  kindnesses  you  have  ex- 
tended to  St.  Mary's  parish  at  Richmond,  I  have  been  also  com- 
missioned to  bring  to  you  a  token  of  our  great  love,  of  our  deep  af- 
tection  and  of  our  high  esteem— a  token  symbolic  of  your  exalted  of- 
fice as  the  Shepherd  of  your  flock,  not  only  of  your  abbatial  family, 
but  also  of  the  thousands  of  souls  entrusted  to  your  care  as  Bishop 
of  North  Carolina — and  in  the  name  of  the  donors  I  present  you  this 
crosier,  and  beg  that  you  will  accept  it  with  the  sincere  wish  that 
each  succeeding  year  in  the  history  of  Belmont  Abbey  may  be  better 


23 


than  the  one  before,  and  that  every  year,  in  friendly  emulation  of 
its  predecessor,  may  outrival  it  in  the  grand  and  glorious  work  be- 
ing accomplished.  And,  furthermore,  may  the  past  gratifying  suc- 
cess of  Belmont  Abbey,  and  its  present  great  prosperity,  be  but  a 
slight  indication  of  the  brilliant  prospect  the  future  has  in  store 
for  it. " 


Miss  Gladys  Niven  of  Richmond,  Va. ,  speaking  for  many  friends 
from  many  places,  presented  a  magnificent   jeweled  chalice.      Miss 
Niven  spoke  as  follows: 
Rt.  Rev.  Bishop  and  Father  Abbot: 

To  us  has  been  given  the  great  privilege,  pleasure,  and  honor 
of  presenting  to  you  this  Chalice, — a  testimonial  of  the  admiration, 
love  and  esteem  which  many  hearts  in  places  widely  separated  bear 
for  you. 

This  Chalice  has  a  value  far  beyond  the  costly  materials  of 
which  it  is  composed, —for  it  is  made  from  precious  heir-looms  which 
have  been  long  in  the  families  of  the  donors.  In  places  far  and 
near,  especially  in  Charleston  and  Richmond,  family  treasures  have 
been  searched  and  freely  given  to  offer  you  this  tribute  of  affection ; 
and  wrapped  in  its  golden  heart  are  the  tenderest  and  most  sacred 
sentiments  of  the  donors. 

Accept  this  chalice,  dear  Bishop,  and  when,  in  the  Holy  Sacri- 
fice it  becomes  the  casket  holding  the  Body  and  Blood  of  our  Savi- 
our, let  a  prayer  arise  from  your  heart  to  the  throne  of  Grace,  ask- 
ing God's  blessing  upon  those  who  contributed  to  its  making. 


Miss  Mary  Forde  of  the  Sacred  Heart  College,  on  behalf  of  the 
Sisters  of  Mercy  of  North  Carolina,  delivered  the  following  address 
of  congratulation : 
Rt.  Rev.  Bishop  and  Abbot: 

On  the  twenty-fifth  anniversary  of  your  abbatial  consecra- 
tion all  the  Sisterhoods  of  the  state  have  assembled  to  greet  you  — 
to  present  their  most  heartfelt  congratulations.  But,  above  all,  dear 
Bishop,  our  own  good  Sisters,  born  and  reared  upon  the  soil  of 
both  Carolinas,  the  Sisters  of  our  Lady  of  Mercy,  in  deepest  rever- 
ence and  gratitude,  turn  to  you  on  this  happy  day.  For  more  than 
twenty  years  you  have  been  to  them  more  than  their  Bishop,  a  lov- 
ing kind  Father  and  Protector. 

The  marvelous  growth  of  their  institutions,  spreading  now  from 
the  mountains  to  the  sea,  their  increasing  number,    their  temporal 

24 


and  spiritual  advancement,  to  whom  else  is  due,  next  to  God,  than 
to  you,  dear  Bishop,  whose  solicitude  and  care  was  ever  their  hap- 
py lot.  They  offer  you,  therefore,  on  this  auspicious  day,  their 
choicest  felicitations.  May  the  good  Master,  our  common  P'ather  in 
Heaven,  crown  your  days  with  the  garland  of  your  Golden  Jubilee, 
so  that  the  blessings  which  issued  from  your  consecrated  hands, 
may  ever  be  felt  in  our  state,  our  diocese,  our  vicariate. 

Well  have  you  and  your  faithful  fathers  merited  the  recent 
honors  conferred  by  our  Holy  Father  upon  your  flourishing  abbey, 
and  the  Sisters  of  Mercy  rejoice  that  their  Motherhouse  in  North 
Carolina  is  forever  linked  to  you  and  yours.  They  are  as- 
sured of  that  fatherly  love  and  protection  which  has  characterized  your 
illustrious  order  for  ages  in  the  Church,  for  its  life  is  the  life  of  the 
Church,  and  the  aim  of  God's  Church  is  its  own. 

The  Sisters  of  Mercy,  therefore,  sincerely  thank  you  for  all  the 
good  that  has  come  to  them  through  you.  It  was  and  always  will  be 
their  humble  endeavor  to  work  for  God's  honor  and  glory  according 
to  their  Holy  Rule  in  whatever  way  you  may  think  fit  that  they  shall 
serve  the  Master. 

May  the  good  Lord  then  protect  and  keep  our  beloved  Bishop 
and  Abbot  wearing  now  the  crown  of  twenty  and  five  silvery  years. 
Ad  Tnultos,  multos  annos! 


Mr.  Owen  Quigley  in  behalf  of  the  students  of  1910 — 11  presen- 
ted an  exquisite  mitre.      Mr.  Quigley's  remarks  were  as  follows: 

Rl.  Rev.  and  dear  Father  Abbot: 

I  address  you  by  that  title  which  is  proper  to  the  lesser  of  your 
dignities,  for  it  is  through  your  office  of  Abbot  that  you  come  closest 
to  us  as  students,  and  exercise  on  our  lives  your  greatest  influence 
for  good. 

It  is  a  happy  privilege,  an  honored  duty,  and  a  proud  honor 
which  has  been  conferred  upon  me  today  to  speak  for  the  students  of 
1910  and  1911,  and  to  offer  you  our  heartfelt  congratulations  on  this 
the  occasion  of  your  silver  jubilee,  and  our  best  wishes  that  you  may 
be  spared  to  us  for  many  years  to  come. 

In  a  manner,  I  feel  that  I  am  speaking  not  only  for  the  boys 
here  present,  but  also  for  that  great  army  of  boys  which  for  twenty- 
five  years  or  more  has  been  passing  through  the  sacred  halls  of  St. 
Mary's,  and  has  felt  the  influence  of  your  life  and  example,  has  had 
the  benefit  of  your  guidance,  and  has  profited  by  your  teaching,  as 
it  is  now  given  to  us.  I  feel  also  that  I  voice  the  sentiments  of  those 
older  students  whose  footsteps  you  guided  along  the  paths  of  virtue 

25 


and  learning  in  those  far  off-years  before  God  called  you  to  your 
field  of  labor  in  the  Old  North  State.  Yes,  Father  Abbot,  in  offering 
your  our  congratulations  today  I  feel  that  I  am  speaking  not  only  for 
the  boys  of  today,  but  also  for  the  boys  of  those  many  and  distant 
yesterdays. 

As  a  token  of  the  affection  which  we  bear  you,  and  of  the  es- 
teem in  which  we  hold  you,  we  beg  you  to  accept  this  mitre — a  sym- 
bol of  the  double  dignity  with  which  you  are  crowned,  the  Abbot's 
office  through  which  you  come  so  close  to  us  as  students,  the  Bish- 
op's power,  through  which  you  assist  in  ruling  the  Church  of  God. 

I  beg  also  that  you  accept  the  salver  of  silver  on  which  the 
mitre  rests.  It  is  a  loving  gift,  sent  by  friends  from  a  distance,  a 
worthy  tribute  from  yet  more  worthy  hearts. 

Father  Abbot,  in  the  name  of  the  students  of  St.  Mary's,  past 
and  present,  I  say  "God  bless  you  !"     Ad  multos  annos  ! 


There  are  times  when  we  most  deeply  feel  the  truth  of  the  sacred 
words:  "it  is  more  blessed  to  give  than  to  receive."  Surrounded 
by  so  many  friends  bearing  such  precious  gifts,  I  today  realize  my 
inability  to  fittingly  express  my  sentiments  of  appreciation  and  grati- 
tude. To  tell  you  I  am  very,  yes,  most  thankful  is  saying  only  a 
little  of  what  I  feel. 

In  years  to  come,  when  others  take  my  place,  these  tokens  of 
affection  will  remain  silent  witnesses  of  the  tender  bonds  which 
unite  the  Abbot  of  Belmont  Abbey  and  Vicar  Apostolic  of  North 
Carolina  to  his  brother  religious,  his  priests,  friends  and  relations. 

I  am  vividly  reminded  of  the  hot  July  day,  25  years  ago,  when 
the  little  colony  of  Benedictines  arrived  at  Belmont,  then  called  Ga- 
ribaldi. A  straggling,  rut-ribbed  road  led  them  through  undergrowth 
to  the  spot,  destined  to  become  the  site  of  the  first  Cathedral  Abbey 
in  the  United  States.  In  spite  of  forlorn  appearances,  nature  had 
favored  that  spot,  and  the  sturdy  old  Benedictine  spirit  of  labor, 
sacrifice  and  prayer  would  do  the  rest.  The  Abbey  has  become  the 
center  of  Catholicity  in  North  Carolina.  From  this  center  the  rays 
of  learning,  virtue  and  piety  spread  in  all  directions,  and  North  Car- 
olina has  generously  shared  with  South  Carolina,  Florida,  Georgia 
and  Virginia. 

26 


In  1887  it  pleased  Pope  Leo  XIII  to  add  the  episcopal  dignity  with 
its  cares  and  responsibilities  to  the  abbatial  burdens.  The  Vicariate 
of  North  Carolina  was  erected  by  Pius  IX  in  1868.  For  19  years 
abler  prelates  than  I  had  labored  and  toiled,  and  yet  I  found  only  six 
priests  and  10  or  12  churches  of  which  6  or  8  had  been  built  within 
the  last  19  years.  Now  we  have  some  45  churches,  3  hospitals,  2 
orphan  asylums,  10  Catholic  schools,  2  academies  for  young  ladies, 
and  St.  Mary's  College  and  Seminary  from  which  have  gone  out 
hundreds  of  young  men,  priests,  professional  men,  merchants  and 
so  on,  whose  influence  For  good  makes  itself  felt  wherever  they  live 
and  labor.  It  was  only  by  giving  his  time  and  care  in  great  measure 
to  the  monastery  and  seminary  that  the  Abbot-bishop  could  educate 
good  and  zealous  priests  for  God's  work  among  the  people.  All  that 
has  been  accomplished  is  owing,  under  God,  to  the  cooperation  of 
the  religious  and  priests  with  their  Abbot  and  Bishop.  And  here  I 
must  make  special  mention  of  the  inestimable  service  rendered  to 
education,  charity  and  religion  by  the  pious  Sisterhoods  in  the  State. 
By  the  good  Sisters  of  Mercy  who  for  so  many  years  "have  borne 
the  heat  and  burden  of  the  day;"  by  the  daughters  of  Charity  who 
know  so  well  how  to  soothe  suffering  and  pain;  by  the  white-robed 
children  of  St.  Dominic  who  so  joyfully  sacrificed  their  comfortable 
northern  homes  in  exchange  for  the  poverty  and  privations  of  the 
South;  and  the  Sisters  of  Christian  Education  whose  loss  to  ungrate- 
ful France  is  the  great  gain  of  more  appreciative  lands. 

I  say  this  publicly  today  to  prove  how  unjust  and  even  foolish 
it  would  be  in  me  to  accept  for  myself  the  words  of  praise  you  have 
kindly  spoken.  The  greatest  merit  belongs  to  others.  I  would 
have  miserably  failed  without  the  Monastery,  College  and  Seminary 
which  gave  me  the  religious  and  priests,  to  whose  labors,  in  justice, 
belongs  the  progress  of  education  and  religion  in  the  Catholic  Church 
of  North  Carolina. 

Yet  when  I  speak  these  words  of  simple  truth,  I  wish  only  to 
give  credit  to  whom  credit  is  due,  and  not  in  the  least  to  lessen  my 
debt  of  gratitude  to  you  for  the  great  kindness  you  show  me  today. 
I  am  sincerely  and  most  profoundly  thankful  to  all  who  have  been 
so  very  good  to  me. 


27 


Thanksgiving  morn  dawned  bright  and  clear,  with  a  hint  in  the 
air  of  winter's  approach,  just  sufficient  to  be  exhilerating.  At 
eight-thirty  o'clock  the  cathedral  bells,  in  full  peal,  rang  their  sum- 
mons through  the  country  round,  proclaiming  the  time  of  Mass,  and 
calling  all  to  worship.  So  clear  was  the  atmosphere  that  the  music 
of  their  voices  could  be  heard  for  miles,  and  in  answer  to  their  call 
the  cathedral  church  was  soon  crowded  to  its  capacity. 

Priests  and  prelates  had  assembled  in  the  Abbey  parlor,  and 
promptly  at  nine  o'clock  moved  in  procession  to  the  church.  It  was 
a  rare  and  beautiful  sight.  The  procession  was  led  by  the  cross- 
bearer  and  two  acolytes  with  lighted  candles,  then  followed  fifty 
sanctuary  boys  in  scarlet  cassocks,  almost  as  many  priests  in  cas- 
sock and  surplice,  six  abbots  in  their  sombre  robes  of  office  accom- 
panied by  chaplains,  the  Rt.  Rev.  Bishop  of  Pittsburg  in  gleaming 
purple,  the  ministers  of  the  Mass  in  vestments  of  cloth  of  gold,  and 
last  the  Rt.  Rev.  Jubilarian,  the  celebrant  of  the  Mass,  wearing  a 
magnificent  black  cappa  magna, — vestment  and  color  proper  to  his 
office  as  Abbot  of  this  monastery. 

The  Rt.  Rev.  Regis  Canevin,  Bishop  of  Pittsburg,  preached  the 
Jubilee  sermon.  He  paid  a  beautiful  tribute  to  the  Jubilarian,  re- 
viewing his  career,  as  teacher,  pastor,  abbot  and  bishop,  and  giving 
an  insight  into  the  inner  life  of  a  Benedictine  monk.  Bishop  Cane- 
vin's  presence  is  a  commanding  one,  and  his  resonant  voice  rings  as 
clear  as  a  bell.  It  is  interesting  to  note  that  nearly  forty  years  ago 
Bishop  Canevin  was  a  student  under  Bishop  Haid. 

Rev.  Father  Stephen  Lyons  of  Spring  Lake,  N.  J.,  was  Arch- 
priest  at  the  Mass,  Rev.  Fathers  Thomas  and  Matthew  Deacons  of 
Honor,  Rev.  F.  Eugene  Deacon  of  the  Mass,  Rev.  F.  Ambrose  Sub- 
deacon. 

The  altar  was  superb.  Hundreds  of  magnificent  white  chrysan- 
themums contrasted  most  beautifully  with  the  background  of  dark 
greenery.  It  was  dazzling  in  its  myriad  candles  and  countless  or- 
namental electric  lamps  which  gleamed  from  every  niche,  and  out- 
lined every  statue.  At  the  very  apex  of  the  altar  an  electric  cross 
of  exquisite  beauty  shone  forth  in  a  blaze  of  glory.  The  procession 
entered  and  left  the  church  to  the  strains  of  the   college   orchestra. 

28 


The  music  of  the  mass,  as  rendered  by  the  students'  choir,  wasinspir- 
ingly  beautiful,  and  showed  the  result  of  long  and  arduous  training. 


®1^  IBanqurt 

At  one  o'clock  all  were  bidden  to  the  Thanksgiving  feast.  The 
banquet  was  spread  in  the  monastery  refectory,  and  covers  were 
laid  for  seventy-five.  The  first  toast,  "Our  Holy  Father,  Pius  X,  " 
was  responded  to  by  Bishop  Haid,  briefly  and  reverently.  The 
Bishop  took  advantage  of  the  occasion  to  express  his  appreciation  of 
the  kind  words  spoken  of  him  during  the  celebration,  and  to  greet 
the  visiting  friends,  who  had  traveled  far  to  be  present  on  this  occa- 
sion. Bishop  Canevin  in  speaking  to  the  ^^Jubilarian"  drew  rounds 
of  laughter  by  his  fine  humor,  and  closed  with  a  tender  prayer  for 
the  continued  health  and  success  of  Bishop  Haid.  To  the  toast 
"Virginia  and  Carolina"  Mr,  A.  H.  Felthaus  of  the  Virginia  Capital, 
and  a  former  student  of  St.  Mary's,  responded  most  happily.  One 
of  the  most  interesting  talks  of  the  day  was  that  of  Father  Stephen 
Lyons  of  New  Jersey,  who  toasted  St,  Mary's  College.  Years  ago 
this  venerable  priest  came  from  the  North,  when  the  abbey  was  but 
a  hut,  and  was  one  of  the  pioneers  who  aided  in  its  upbuilding, 
when  the  cause  was  a  struggle  against  heavy  odds.  He  had  not 
visited  the  place  in  twenty -eight  years,  and  the  transformation 
astounded  him.  Father  Lyons  was  reminiscent  and  commanded  the 
undivided  attention  of  the  banqueters.  Incidentally  he  took  occasion 
to  say  some  nice  things  about  the  Observer,  declaring  that  twenty- 
eight  years  ago  one  of  the  most  welcome  visitors  in  the  early  morn- 
ing was  the  Charlotte  Observer,  and  he  noticed  now,  that  if  such 
be  possible,  the  daily  welcome  was  even  warmer.  Abbot  Charles 
Mohr  of  Florida  wrote  finis  to  the  toasts  by  a  felicitous  greeting  and 
adieu  to  the  assembled  guests. 

In  the  evening  V,  Rev.  Father  Felix,  Prior  of  the  abbey,  gave 
a  lecture  on  the  history  of  the  abbey,  illustrated  with  stereopticon 
views.  The  lecture,  entitled  "Twenty-five  Years  in  the  Vicariate", 
was  of  great  educational  value,  and  was  deeply  appreciated. 

(From  the  "Charlotte  Observer") 

29 


The  ceremonies  of  the  Jubilee  were  brought  to  a  solemn  close 
on  Friday  morning  with  a  Requiem  Mass  for  the  deceased  friends, 
members  and  benefactors  of  the  Abbey.  The  Right  Rev.  Abbot 
Athanasius  of  St.  Meinrads,  Indiana,  was  celebrant.  V.  Rev.  Father 
Melchior,  subprior  of  the  Abbey,  was  Archpriest,  and  the  Rev. 
Fathers  Charles  and  Cornelius,  of  the  Benedictine  College  at  Savan- 
nah, were  Deacon  and  Subdeacon  of  the  Mass.  The  sermon  was 
preached  by  the  Rt.  Rev.  Abbot-Bishop. 

It  is  the  highest  dictate  of  Christian  charity  that  whilst  we  are  true 
and  faithful  to  the  living,  we  are  not  unmindful  of  our  dead.  We  are 
earnestly  taught  this  salutary  lesson  by  the  Church  of  God,  who,  like 
a  loving  mother,  never  forgets  her  departed  children,  but  prays  for 
them  without  ceasing.  The  same  duty  is  impressed  upon  us  by  the 
Holy  Scriptures,  (II  Mac.  12-46)  where  we  are  taught  that  "It  is  a 
wholesome  and  salutary  thought  to  pray  for  the  dead  that  they  may  be 
released  from  their  sins."  If  we  owe  all  who  in  the  Lord  have  ex- 
changed time  for  eternity  the  suffrage  of  our  prayers,  this  duty  de- 
volves upon  us  in  a  special  manner  towards  our  friends  and  benefac- 
tors. Yesterday  we  gave  especially  to  the  living ;  it  were  ungrateful 
to  forget  those  who  have  gone  before  us  to  the  tribunal  of  Divine  Jus- 
tice, let  us  hope  of  Divine  Mercy  ;  and,  although  we  daily  pray  for 
them,  yet  today  we  remember  them  with  special  supplication,  not  un- 
mixed with  words  of  praise.  They  were  our  benefactors  in  the  day  of 
our  greatest  need  ;  they  assisted  in  building  up  the  Church  in  North 
Carolina,  and  in  many  cases  they  helped  to  lay  the  foundations  upon 
which  Belmont  Abbey  stands  today. 

It  is  a  beautiful  custom  in  our  Order,  during  the  celebration  of  our 
triennial  general  chapters,  to  read  the  names  of  those  who  have  slept 
in  the  Lord  during  the  three  intervening  years.  May  I  imitate  this 
laudable  practice  by  recalling  the  names  of  those  to  whom  we  owe  the 
heaviest  debt  ?  To  Pope  Leo  XIII,  perhaps  the  greatest  ruler  of  the 
19th  century,  Belmont  Abbey  owes  its  canonical  existence.  This  great 
Pope  elevated  the  struggling  Priory  to  the  dignity  of  an  independent 
Abbey  in  1884,  and  confirmed  the  first  Abbot  in  1885.  The  Sovereign 
Pontiff  was  moved  to  this  gracious  act  by  the  founder  of  the  Benedic- 
tine Order  in  America,  the  great  Arch-Abbot  Boniface  Wimmer.  We 
recognize  him  as  our  greatest  friend  and  benefactor.  I  well  remem- 
ber the  day  when  the  ground  upon  which  the  Abbey  now  stands  was 


30 


offered  with  many  onerous  conditions  to  the  Benedictine  Fathers 
This  offer  would  never  have  been  accepted  but  for  the  earnest  plead- 
ings of  Arch- Abbot  Boniface  Wimmer,  whose  big  heart  always  went 
out  to  the  lowHest  and  most  needy. 

For  many  years  the  Rev.  Dr.  Jeremiah  O'Connell  had  labored  most 
zealously  in  Georgia  and  the  Carolinas.  His  name  will  be  ever  insep- 
arable from  the  history  of  the  Catholic  Church  in  these  states.  Worn 
out  by  many  years  of  toil  and  sacrifice,  he  retired  to  private  life  on 
the  Caldwell  plantation,  which,  through  Cardinal  Gibbons,  then  Vicar 
Apostolic,  he  offered  to  the  Benedictine  Order.  Some  here  present 
will  remember  the  venerable  Doctor  as  they  saw  him  reading,  study- 
ing, or  telling  his  beloved  beads.  His  name  is  inscribed  among  the 
greatest  benefactors  of  Belmont  Abbey.  Nor  must  I  forget  the  Rev« 
Dr.  Herman  Wolfe,  O.S.B.,  who  became  a  Catholic  priest  after  serving 
most  devotedly  as  surgeon  in  the  Confederate  Army.  He  was  the 
first  superior  in  1876. 

The  early  years  of  our  Abbatial  life  were  years  of  great  struggle 
and  poverty.  Among  strangers  who  did  not  understand  our  lives,  or 
our  object  in  coming  into  their  midst,  without  means  we  were  obhged 
to  build  and  lay  the  foundations  for  the  future.  It  was  then  that  our 
northern  friends  generously  came  to  our  aid.  Mrs.  Mary  Frauenheim 
and  family  of  Pittsburg,  were  among  the  very  first  to  extend  a  helping 
hand,  and  we  always  remember  them  with  most  grateful  hearts.  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Leopold  Vilsack,  also  of  Pittsburg,  were  no  less  kind  to  our 
struggling  community.  For  years  their  generosity  has  enabled  a 
student  to  prepare  for  the  priesthood.  I  sincerely  hope  the  Vilsack 
scholarship  will  always  lead  a  worthy  boy  to  the  Altar  of  God. 

There  lived  in  Wilmington  a  quiet,  worthy  Catholic,  Lawrence 
Brown.  Some  time  before  his  happy  death  he  disposed  of  his  pro- 
perty for  the  benefit  of  our  orphan  children,  the  Church,  and  the  edu- 
cation of  priests  for  the  Vicariate.    May  God  reward  him  bounteously. 

On  returning  from  my  benediction  in  Charleston,  Dr.  Denis  O'Don- 
oghue  of  Charlotte,  offered  the  hospitality  of  his  beautiful  home  to  the 
Benedictine  Abbots.  It  was  the  only  occasion  that  all  the  Abbots  of 
our  congregation  were  entertained  together  in  a  private  house.  From 
that  well  remembered  day  to  his  death,  the  Doctor  was  always  a  good 
friend.  Knowing  the  necessities  of  the  church,  he  not  only  made  gen- 
erous provision  for  the  Catholics  of  Charlotte,  but  also  evinced  his 
love  for  the  Abbey  in  many  other  ways,  but  especially  by  endowing 
two  scholarships  for  the  education  of  priests  for  the  Order.  His  name 
will  always  be  held  in  benediction  by  those  who  owe  so  much  to  his 
kindness.  John  Buis  of  Salisbury  and  Mrs.  Mary  Erl  of  Syracuse,  N.  Y. 
have  aiso  inscribed  their  names  on  the  hearts  of  future  priests,  who 
will  have  reached  their  sacred  goal  through  the  kindness  of  these 
benefactors. 

31 


To  the  late  great  architect,  Raphael  Guastavino,  a  noble  Spaniard, 
the  Vicariate  owes  the  erection  of  the  magnificent  church  in  Asheville. 
He  gave  not  only  the  plans,  but  generously  donated  thousands  of  dol- 
lars and  much  of  his  precious  time  to  this  masterpiece  of  church  archi- 
tecture. His  name  is  enshrined  with  those  of  the  Fathers  Marrin  in 
the  hearts  of  the  people  of  North  Carolina.  The  only  reward  he 
asked  was  a  resting  place  in  the  Guastavino  Chapel — where  he  now 
awaits  the  resurrection. 

Mr.  William  T.  O'Brien  of  Durham  generously  donated  the  valua- 
ble lots  upon  which  the  church  is  built,  supervised  its  erection,  and 
was  its  most  liberal  benefactor.  God  called  him  to  his  reward  a  few 
weeks  after  the  joyful  dedication  ;  he  was  the  first  to  be  buried  from 
the  beautiful  edifice  he  loved  so  well. 

To  Captain  Devine  the  Catholics  of  Wilmington  owe  a  great  debt 
of  gratitude.  He  was  most  generous  towards  the  grand  church,  which 
we  hope  to  dedicate  in  the  near  future. 

With  grateful  hearts  we  today  remember  the  priests  of  God,  who 
gave  not  only  their  earthly  possessions  but  their  very  life  blood  to  the 
service  of  God  in  North  Carolina.  Good  Father  White,  to  whom  the 
Vicariate  owes  more  in  temporal  goods  than  to  any  other  was  in  his 
day  known  as  the  "Great  Beggar."  But  it  was  for  God  and  His  Church 
he  so  earnestly  begged. 

Saintly  Father  Mark  Gross,  my  first  Vicar  General,  impressed  his 
life  of  great  sacrifice,  piety,  and  devotion  on  the  Church  of  the  Vicari- 
ate. Patient,  quiet  Father  Moore,  who,  after  many  years  of  faithful 
service  closed  a  truly  priestly  life  by  a  lingering  illness  and  a  happy 
death.  Nor  can  I  omit  the  zealous  Father  Francis,  who  loved  his 
Order  so  ardently,  and  sacrificed  himself  so  wholly  for  the  people  of 
Charlotte. 

Our  saintly  brothers  !  Their  lives  were  hidden  from  the  world — 
but  their  good  works  are  precious  in  the  eyes  of  God.  I  never  pass 
their  humble  graves  without  thanking  God  for  their  invaluable  ser- 
vices. Last  but  not  least  the  pious  sisters,  whose  resting  place  as  we 
enter  the  cemetery,  reminds  us  of  their  devotion  to  God  and  to  His 
Glory. 

All  hearts  and  tongues  unite  with  me  as  I  humbly  pray:  Eternal 
rest  and  peace  and  joy  be  to  all  our  deceased  benefactors. 


32 


Ri.  Rev.  Charles  Mohr,  O.S.B. 

Abbot  of  St.   Leo's,   Florida,  the  first  ot 

Bishop  Maid's  community  to  be  raised 

to  the  dignity  of  Abbot 

Rt.  Rev.  Bishop  Northrop  Rt.  Rev.  Bishop  Canevin 

who  blessed  Bishop  liaid  as  Abbot  in  Preacher  of  the  Jubilee  sermon,  and 

1885  and  consecrated  him  a  student  under  Bishop  Haid 

Bishop  in    1887  thirty  years  ago 


(§\xv  1Bt0l|op 


Heard  you  e'er  his  priestly  voice  denouncing  wrong — 
Clarion-like,  or  brazen  trumpet's  song — 
To  battle  calling? 

Saw  you  e'er  the  flash  of  fire  from  out  his  piercing  eye—' 
(Paling  the  very  lightning  in  the  vaulted  sky) 
In  righteous  anger  falling? 

Or  has  it  been  your  blessed  lot  in  sadness'  hour  to  hear 
His  loving  words  of  comfort  and  of  cheer, 
Tender  and  stilling? 

Or  listened  to  his  plea  for  justice,  truth  and  love  and  right 
And  all  the  better  things  in  tones  of  might. 
Vibrant  and  thrilling? 

Feeding  and  guiding  his  flock;  leading  it   ever    to   pastures   green; 
Teaching  to  learn  from  the  things  of  earth,  the  things  as  yet  unseen 
So  mixed  in  him  the  elements — mixed  by  the  Master's  hand, 
That  e'en  the  world  itself  declares :  Here  is  the  Master's  man. 
/  Rev.  George  A.  Woods 


^^ 


33 


Slt0t  0f  ^tftH  W^tmnth  burtng  ti}t  ilubtb^ 


A  gothic  chalice  of  gold  and  silver,  richly  jewelled,  gift  of  the 
children  in  North  Carolina,  Richmond,  Charleston  and  other  places, 
— a  masterpiece  of  Christian  art. 

An  episcopal  crozier  of  solid  silver,  gilt,  gothic  in  execution  and 
jewelled,  presented  by  personal  friends  of  the  Bishop  in  Richmond, 
Va.  Chalice  and  crozier  were  manufactured  by  the  papal  jeweller, 
Franz  Janner,  Amberg,  Bavaria,  a  cousin  of  our  Father  Gregory, 

A  magnificent  mitre,  the  gift  of  the  students  of  St.  Mary's,  manu- 
factured by  J.  J.  Deplaz,  in  Regensburg,  Bavaria.  There  are  eighty- 
eight  precious  stones  set  into  it,  and  ten  images  of  saints  are  done  in 
the  most  artistic  needle  work.  It  was  pronounced  the  most  beautiful 
mitre  ever  seen  in  Ratisbon,  that  old  Catholic  city  on  the  Danube. 

A  set  of  vestments  in  all  ecclesiastical  colors,  the  gift  of  the  mis- 
sion priests  at  Statesville,  Salisbury,  Greensboro  and  Winston-Salem. 
Each  vestment  bears  the  episcopal  escutcheon. 

A  unique  and  costly  table  service  of  570  pieces,  sufficient  for  a 
banquet  of  60  covers.  The  plates  are  of  the  finest  china  and  each 
bears  the  Abbatial  coat-of-arms.  It  is  the  gift  of  Rev.  F.  Joseph  and 
his  friends  in  Charlotte.  The  firm  A.  P.  Chandler  Sons  Co.  of  Balti- 
more, had  this  set  under  contract  and  through  its  factory  in  Syracuse, 
N.  Y.  executed  it  in  a  masterly  manner. 

A  statue  of  the  Madonna  presented  by  Mr.  Franz  Mayer,  Munich, 
Bavaria,  who  is  represented  by  Mayer  and  Co.,  Barclay  St.  New  York. 

A  very  handsome  set  of  pontifical  candlesticks,  forty-six  inches 
high,  bearing  the  escutcheon  of  the  Abbey,  of  metal  gilt,  manufactured 
by  W.  J.  Feeley  Co.  in  Providence,  R.  I.,  and  presented  by  the  Bene- 
dictine College  in  Savannah,  Ga. 

A  smaller  set  of  candlesticks,  same  original  pattern,  presented  by 
Rev.  Stephan  Schramm,  Pittsburg,  Pa. 

A  solid  silver  episcopal  candlestick,  gilt,  used  at  pontifical  services, 
gift  of  Rev.  Paul  Reinfels,  Paloma,  111. 

Solid  silver  pontifical  ewers  and  plate,  gilt,  artistically  engraved, 
gift  of  the  young  ladies  of  the  Sacred  Heart  College,  Belmont. 

Monastic  missal,  handsomely  bound,  by  Benedictine  Fathers  of 
Newark,  N.  J. 

A  Cappa  Magna,  imported  from  Rome,  by  the  Benedictine  Sisters 
of  St.  Mary's,  Pa. 

A  large  solid  silver  waiter,  engraved,  gift  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  John 
B.  Bliley. 

A  loving  cup,  with  artistic  inscription.  Bishop  Northrop,  Charles- 
ton, S.  C. 

34 


A  loving  cup  with  artistic  inscription,  Sister  and  Brothers  of  the 
Rt.  Rev.  Bishop. 

A  magnificent  costly  vase,  Mr.  George  Farbaugh,  Altoona,  Pa. 

A  pontifical  chair,  brass-gilt  and  velvet  cushioned,  Catholic  Con- 
gregation at  Belmont,   N.  C. 

A  very  fine  white  vestment,  imported  from  Paris,  gift  of  the  Sis- 
ters of  Christian  Education,  Asheville,  N.  C. 

A  stained  glass  window  with  escutcheon  of  Abbey  and  Bishop,  for 
the  corridor  of  the  Abbot's  apartments,  gift  of  Rev.  Joseph  Bauer  of 
Pittsburg,  Pa. 

A  set  of  pontifical  black  vestments,  consisting  of  four  dalmatics, 
chasuble,  cope,  etc.,  of  heavy  velvet  and  gold— imported. 

A  set  of  pontifical  red  vestments,  as  above,  of  heavy  red  and  gold, 
especially  designed  and  woven  in  Lyons,  France.  Manufactured  in 
Germany  and  given  by  friends  in  Pittsburg,  Pa. 

An  original  water-color  painting  of  the  Rt.  Rev.  Bishop-Abbot's 
escutcheon  by  Professor  P.  de  Chaignon  la  Rose,  Cambridge,  Mass. 

A  beautiful  large  rug  by  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Christopher  J.  Manning  of 
Richmond,  Va. 

An  artistic  gremiale,  imported,  by  Mr.  and  Mrs.  John  R.  Hulcher, 
Richmond,  Va. 

A  choir  cloak  by  Mrs.  A.  Haid,  Newcastle,  Pa. 

Purses  by  V.  Rev.  F.  Julius,  Bristow,  Va.;  Sisters  of  Mercy  in 
North  Carolina;  Rev.  Stephan  Lyons,  Springlake,  N.  J.;  Rt.  Rev.  Mgr. 
Geo.  Borneman,  Reading,  Pa.;  Messrs.  E.  andM.  Mahoney,  Norfolk, 
Va.;  Mr.  Wm.  O'Brien,  Durham,  N.  C;  Friends  of  Bishop  in  Pitts- 
burg, Pa. 

There  were  two  Jubilee  Scholarships  for  deserving  ecclesiastical 
students  established,  one  by  the  Rt.  Rev.  Bishop  and  another  by  a 
friend. 

A  magnificent  episcopal  ring — the  generous  present  of  Hon.  Rich- 
ard C.  Kerens,  the  American  Ambassador  in  Vienna,  Austria. 

There  are  numerous  minor  presents,  which  space  forbids  to  enum- 
erate. 


35  • 


It  was  a  graceful  act  on  the  part  of  our  Rt.  Rev.  Bishop  to  com- 
memorate in  his  address  at  the  Requiem  services  on  Friday,  Nov. 
25th,  all  deceased  benefactors  of  the  Abbey  and  Vicariate.  In 
touching  words  he  spoke  of  each  one's  good  deeds.  May  they  rest 
in  peace. 

It  is  a  regretable  fact  that  no  photographs  are  extant  of  the  ori- 
ginal log  cabin,  frame  building  and  barn  which  formed  the  nucleus 
of  the  present  Belmont  Abbey.  Their  disappearance,  however,  was 
not  regretted  in  days  gone  by — still  a  picture  would  recall  many 
pleasant  memories  to  the  older  members  of  the  Abbey. 

Rev.  Father  Lyons,  of  Spring  Lake,  N.  J. ,  was  Rector  of  St. 
Mary's  College  in  what  he  calls  its  prehistoric  days;  as  he  had  not 
seen  Belmont  in  twenty-eight  years,  all  seemed  like  a  magic-picture 
to  him  of  which  he  scarcely  could  have  dreamt. 

Rev.  Peter  G.  Marion  enjoyed  his  visit  immensely.  He  found 
so  many  old  and  dear  acquaintances  assembled  at  the  Abbey.  In 
the  near  future  a  lordly  crowd  will  gather  in  our  beautiful  mountain 
city  Asheville,  when  the  magnificent  temple  he  and  his  reverend 
brother  built  will  be  solemnly  consecrated.  It  will  be  the  first  con- 
secrated church  in  North  Carolina. 

Few  guests  enjoyed  their  stay  at  the  Abbey  as  much  as  Rev. 
Father  Bauer  from  Pittsburg.      He  remained  with  us  a  week. 

The  unique  feature  at  the  "Presentation"  on  Nov.  23rd  was  un- 
doubtedly the  reading  by  our  sweet  southern  novelist,  "Christian 
Reid, "  of  her  magnificent  Jubilee  Ode.  The  distinguished  lady  wore 
on  this  occasion  the  famous  Laetare  Medal  presented  by  Notre  Dame 
University  in  1909. 

By  far  the  most  trying  task  during  the  Jubilee  was  that  of  our 
efficient  cooks.  Had  the  Brothers  Maurus,  Leonard,  Albert  and  John 
heard  all  the  nice  things  said  about  their  culinary  art,  they  would  have 
been  partly  compensated  for  all  their  work  and  trouble. 

Brother  George  and  his  able  assistant  displayed  remarkable  taste 
in  decorating  the  church,  altars,  etc.  It  is  a  blessing  for  Belmont 
Abbey  that  Brother  is  still  very  young — in  his  hands  all  the  beautiful 
things  are  safe.  (From  the  "News  Letter") 

36 


1E&tt0rml  from  tljf  lErrbBmatiral  Ii0m]em 

In  another  part  of  this  issue  we  print  the  Pontifical  Bull  of  the 
erection  of  the  Benedictine  Abbey  of  Belmont,  in  North  Carolina, 
into  an  '^Abbatia  Nullius, "  that  is,  practically  a  diocese  whose  head 
is  subject  to  the  Holy  See  directly.  The  Bull  constitutes  Belmont 
an  independent  province  of  the  great  Benedictine  community  which 
has  long  passed  the  millenary  mark  of  its  missionary  activity,  and  to 
which  the  English-speaking  world  owes  under  God  the  gift  of  Chris- 
tian civilization. 

The  story  of  the  first  Benedictine  settlement  in  North  Carolina 
is  an  interesting  one.  Early  in  the  last  century  the  place  on  which 
the  monastery  church  stands  to-day  was  the  chief  slave  mart  of  the 
South ;  and  the  very  block  of  granite  on  which  the  negro  to  be  sold 
to  the  highest  bidder  was  placed  for  inspection,  served  the  present 
Bishop,  Leo  Haid,  first  Abbot  and  Vicar  Apostolic,  twenty-five  years 
ago,  as  pulpit  when  he  was  enabled  to  announce  the  glad  tidings  of 
the  new  monastic  foundation,  the  jubilee  of  which,  together  with 
his  own,  is  being  celebrated  this  year  by  solemn  thanksgiving- 
services. 

Since  1872,  when  Dr.  J.  J.  O'Connell,  author  of  the  History 
of  Catholicity  in  the  Carolinas  and  Georgia,  purchased  of  his  patri- 
mony the  ground  now  occupied  by  the  monks,  to  which  he 
made  them  heir  by  his  entering  the  Benedictine  community,  the  settle- 
ment has  grown  from  a  few  scattered  houses,  which  barely  half-a- 
dozen  Catholic  families,  to  an  industrial  district  with  thirty-nine 
churches  and  some  fifty  missions.  These  are  administered  by  thirty 
three  priests,  whose  center  is  the  Monastery  of  Mary  Help,  with  its 
adjuncts  for  parish  schools,  convents,  and  charitable  institutions  for 
every  work  of  mercy.  And  the  man  to  whose  leadership  and  self- 
sacrificing  industry  this  progress  is  mainly  due,  the  Right  Rev. 
Leo  Haid,  missionary,  farmer,  builder,  teacher,  theologian,  in 
short  uniting  in  himself  all  the  varied  activities  of  the  early  monastic 
pioneers  whose  rule  he  had  made  the  rule  of  his  life;  a  bishop  who 
oversees  without  ever  overlooking,  who  spends  himself  without  stint 
for  the  cause  of  Christ,  closes  the  first  quarter  of  a  century's  labor 
amid    the    well-deserved  applause  of  his   brethren   in    the  Order, 

37 


the  episcopate,  and  the  priesthood.  May  the  work  of  the  revered 
abbot-bishop  continue  to  thrive  under  the  blessings  of  God,  as  an 
incentive  to  zeal  for  the  coming  generations  of  laborers  in  the  Vine- 
yard of  Christ  1 


Ehitnnal  from  tl\t  QII|arlnttr  (§bBtrmt 

The  celebration  which  was  carried  through  with  so  many  grati- 
fying features  at  Belmont  Abbey  this  week  serves  to  call  attention 
to  the  excellent  work  which  the  Benedictine  Order  is  doing  at  that 
place.  St.  Mary's  is  more  than  a  center  of  education;  it  stands  for 
everything  which  can  uplift  the  community  materially  ar  well  as 
spiritually.  When  it  was  inaugurated  a  quarter  of  a  century  ago 
its  site  was  practically  a  waste.  Intelligently  directed  industry  has 
adorned  the  spot  with  beautiful  grounds  and  impressive  buildings 
which  elicited  glowing  compliments  from  the  recent  visitors.  Fur- 
thermore, these  good  people  have  been  foremost  in  every  move- 
ment designed  to  promote  the  welfare  of  Gaston  County. 

The  central  figure  of  the  exercises  was  naturally  the  venerable 
jubilarian  and  the  congratulations  offered  him  on  the  joyful  comple- 
tion of  twenty-five  years  as  abbot  were  well-deserved.  Bishop 
Haid's  work  has  been  unobtrusive  but  it  has  been  of  the  most  last- 
ing kind.  His  brethren  from  many  sections  gathered  around  him 
this  week  and  gave  unmistakable  evidence  of  the  esteem  in  which 
they  hold  him.  That  the  highest  authorities  of  his  Church  are  by 
no  means  unmindful  of  his  labors  is  shown  by  the  recent  erection 
of  Belmont  into  a  cathedral  abbey.  Not  less  pleasing  to  him  than 
these  expressions  of  regard  from  distant  places  must  be  the  enthu- 
siastic affection  manifested  by  those  whose  ecclesiastical  chief  he 
has  been  all  these  years — the  residents  of  the  abbey  and  school. 
Nor  can  he  be  untouched  by  the  evidences  of  interest  and  respect 
on  the  part  of  many  of  his  neighbors  who  are  not  of  his  faith.  Such 
widespread  and  general  felicitation  as  has  been  his  on  this  occasion 
is  of  itself  no  small  compensation  for  the  unselfish  labor  of  the 
quarter  of  a  century  which  has  just  come  to  a  close. 


38 


(illf^  Htatt  0f  tl|^  Abbot  prtmate 

Last  August  the  Rt.  Rev.  Hildebrand  de  Hemptinne,  0,  S.  B., 
Abbot  Primate  of  the  Benedictine  Order,  and  Abbot  of  St.  Anselm's 
in  Rome,  arrived  in  the  United  States  for  the  purpose  of  visiting  all 
the  Benedictine  houses  in  the  States  and  Canada.  His  Excellency 
had  no  idea  what  a  herculean  task  was  before  him,  A  trip  from  the 
East  to  our  distant  West  is  in  itself  trying,  but  to  visit  nearly  all  the 
States  and  Canada,  from  the  frosty  North  to  the  sunny  South,  from 
the  Pacific  to  the  Gulf  and  the  Atlantic,  to  make  frequent  public  ad- 
dresses, and  be  exposed  to  all  sorts  of  climate,  weather  and  incon- 
veniences requires  an  almost  iron  constitution.  Our  Rt.  Rev.  Abbot 
Primate  has  accomplished  all,  and  within  four  months  visited  over 
fifty  Benedictine  institutions  and  delivered  164  addresses  in  English, 
German,  French,  Italian  and  Flemish,  In  reaching  Belmont  Abbey 
he  was  almost  at  the  goal  of  his  travels,  still  healthy,  strong  and 
vigorous. 

His  Excellency  reached  the  first  of  the  dependant  houses  of 
Belmont  on  December  19th,  in  Savannah,  Georgia.  He  was  re- 
ceived with  most  cordial  hospitality  by  our  Very  Rev.  F.  Bernard, 
O.S.B.  and  the  Fathers  of  the  Benedictine  Priory  and  College.  Rt. 
Rev.  Abbot  Charles  and  Rev.  Dom  Julio  traveled  with  the  distin- 
guished visitor  from  St.  Leo's  Abbey  to  Belmont. 

On  Monday  the  cadets  of  our  Military  School  gave  an  exhibi- 
tion drill  complimentary  to  the  Abbot  Primate.  He  greatly  admired 
the  exact  military  discipline,  the  precision  with  which  the  most  com- 
plicated tactics  were  executed,  the  noble  appearance  of  these  south- 
ern youths,  and  in  a  short  address  highly  complimented  the  profes- 
sors, officers,  and  cadets.  He  accepted  a  number  of  souvenirs 
from  the  beautiful  city  by  the  sea.  Leaving  that  night  he  arrived 
in  Charlotte,  N.  C.  next  morning  where  he  celebrated  Holy  Mass 
in  our  St.  Peter's  Church.  Rev.  Father  Joseph  entertained  him  at 
breakfast  and  at  10  A.M.  they  entered  an  automobile  to  be  driven 
across  the  beautiful  Catawba  into  the  territory  of  our  Abbatia  Nul- 
lius.  Amidst  the  ringing  of  the  Cathedral  bells  the  Abbot  Primate 
arrived  at  the   Abbey.      The   highway   and   buildings  still  retained 

39 


their  artistic  decorations  from  the  recent  abbatial  Jubilee,     and   this 
gave  a  festive  impression  and  appearance. 

In  the  afternoon  the  official  reception  took  place  in  the  Abbey 
Cathedral.  The  altars  and  interior  had  already  assumed  the  Christmas 
ornamentation,  and  illuminated  by  hundreds  of  electric  lights,  they 
presented  a  magnificent  sight.  The  Abbot  Primate  was  received  at 
the  larger  entrance  in  a  manner  prescribed  by  the  ceremonial,  the 
boy's  choir  chanted  the  Ecce  Sacerdos  Magnus,  which  was  fol- 
lowed by  a  beautifully  rendered  anthem  in  honor  of  our  Blessed 
Mother.  After  the  proper  oration  was  sung  by  His  Excellency,  he 
imparted  the  Pontifical  Benediction,  and  then  assumed  the  pontifical 
robes  in  order  to  bestow  the  Benediction  with  the  Blessed  Sacra- 
ment. The  Abbot  Primate  was  greatly  touched  by  the  beautiful 
ceremonies  and  the  sweet  chant  of  the  boys'  choir  on  this  evening. 

On  Wednesday  our  Rt,  Rev.  Bishop  Leo  Haid  tendered  His 
Excellency  a  banquet,  to  which  many  guests  were  invited.  Bishop 
Haid,  in  an  after-dinner  address,  expressed  the  highest  appreciation 
of  the  honor  conferred  upon  the  Abbey  by  the  visit  of  the  Abbot 
Primate,  to  which  His  Excellency  responded  in  that  happy  vein 
which  characterizes  all  his  public  utterances.  The  Reverend  Prior, 
Father  Felix,  then  proposed  the  health  of  our  illustrious  guest,  a 
a  bon  voyage,  and  a  safe  return  to  the  Aventine  Hill  in  Rome. 
An  automobile  trip  through  Gaston  County  concluded  the   day. 

On  Thursday  all  the  Reverend  Fathers  and  the  Abbot-Bishop 
assembled  in  the  choir  chapel  at  10  A.  M.,  and,  before  the  Blessed 
Sacrament  and  the  Abbot  Primate,  took  the  prescribed  oath  against 
Modernism.  It  was  a  striking  and  touching  scene  as  the  venerable 
Bishop  ascended  the  altar  steps,  and,  kissing  the  Missal,  pronounced 
the  words  Sic  spondeo,  sicjuro,  etc.;  he  was  followed  by  all  the 
priests.  The  Abbot  Primate  then  made  a  magnificent  address  to 
the  Fathers,  congratulated  them  upon  the  recent  high  dignity  their 
abbey  has  attained,  and  begged  for  them  a  continual  blessing  from 
God.  The  Papal  Benediction  completed  this  memorable  function. 
Addresses  were  also  made  to  the  Venerable  Brothers,  and  to  the  stu- 
dents of  the  College.  At  the  Sacred  Heart  Convent  an  informal 
reception  was  tendered  His  Excellency,  after  which  he  bestowed 
the  papal  Benediction  on  all  present,  wished  the  community  pros- 
perity, and  the  young  ladies  a  ^' Happy  Christmas." 

40 


On  Friday  the  Abbot  Primate  celebrated  Holy  Mass  in  our 
church  in  Richmond.  In  company  of  the  V.  Rev.  F.  Edward  he 
visited  the  Rt.  Rev.  Bishop  of  Richmond,  an  old  friend  of  his  and  a 
fellow-countryman.  The  Abbot  Primate  was  also  taken  to  the  site 
of  our  new  Military  College,  which  he  blessed  with  all  his  heart. 
That  evening  he  said  farewell,  I  might  say  to  Belmont  Abbey,  as  he 
spent  the  entire  time  this  week  in  houses  and  possessions  of  Bel- 
mont. Father  Edward  escorted  His  Excellency  to  Washington  where 
he  was  the  guest  of  Mgr.  Falconio  over  Christmas  day. 

As  these  lines  are  being  penned,  the  Abbot  Primate  is  board- 
ing the  steamer  "George  Washington''  on  his  return  trip  to  Europe. 
May  God  protect  him  on  the  high  sea,  and  bring  him  safely  to  his 
illustrious  abbey  on  the  Aventine! 

The  Prior. 


41 


S^rmb^r  \9%  1885 


On  the  above  date,  twenty-five  years  ago,  the  first  Benedictines 
of  Belmont  Abbey  were  raised  to  the  Holy  Priesthood  in  the  little 
frame  chapel  which  then  constituted  the  Abbey  Church.  The  Rt.  Rev. 
H.  P.  Northrop,  D.D.,  Bishop  of  Charleston  and  administrator  of  the 
Vicariate  of  North  Carolina,  officiated.  The  young  levites  ordained 
were:  Rev.  George  Lester,  0.  S.  B.  Rev.  Patrick  Donlon,  O.S.B.  and 
Rev.  Walter  Thomas  Leahy.  All  three  were  able  to  celebrate  their 
Silver  Jubilee  this  past  December.  Rev.  George  Lester,  O.S.B.,  for 
the  past  four  years  Rector  of  St.  Leo's  in  Winston-Salem,  commemor- 
ated the  day  in  his  own  native  parish  church  of  the  Holy  Trinity  in 
New  Orleans,  La.  Rev.  Patrick  Donlon,  who  recently  returned  from 
Europe,  celebrated  his  Jubilee  in  a  very  quiet  manner  at  Manassas, 
Va.,  and  Rev.  Walter  Leahy,  for  the  past  ten  years  the  able  Rector  of 
St.  Paul's  Church  in  Princeton,  N.  J.,  united  his  with  the  joyful  Christ- 
mas Day.  May  God  preserve  their  useful  lives  in  the  service  of  God 
for  years  and  years  to  come. 

Ad  Multos  Annos! 


41 


Qlatalngu^  nf  Ij^lmnnt  Abteg 


3. 


Right  Reverend  Leo  Haid,  D.  D. ,  Titular  Bishop  of  Messene ; 
Abbot-Ordinary,  Vicar  Apostolic  of  North  Carolina. 

Born  in  Westmoreland,  Pa.,  July  15,  1849;  prof.  Sept.  17, 
1869;  ordained  Dec.  21,  1872;  elected  Abbot  Jul.  14,  1885;  con- 
firmed Abbot  Aug.  30,  and  blessed  Nov.  26,  1885;  confirmed 
Vic.  Apost.  Dec.  9,  1887;  consecrated  Bishop  in  Baltimore  July 
1,  1888,  and  designated  Abbot-Ordinary  of  Belmont  by  P.  Pius 
X,  June  8,  1910. 

Very  Rev.  Felix  Hintemeyer,  D.  D.,  Prior  and  Vic.  General, 
born  April  22,  1862,  in  Donaustauf,  Bav. ;  professed  Jul.  11, 
1881 ;  ordained  Mar.  14,  1886. 

Very  Rev.  Melchior  Reichert,  Subprior  and  Cathedral  Rector, 
born  in  Gommersdorf,  Baden,  Apr.  17,  1852;  professed  Jul.  11, 
1871 ;  ordained  July  14,  1875. 


REV.  FATHERS: 


Name 

Birthplace 

Born 

Vows  Ord. 

4 

Willibald  Baumgartner 

Wolfrathshausen,  Bav. 

1853 

1873 

1878 

5 

Julius  Pohl 

Cincinnati,  Ohio 

1857 

1875 

1880 

6 

George  Lester 

Mobile,  Ala. 

1860 

1881 

1885 

7 

Patrick  Donlon 

Plattsburgh,  N.Y. 

1862 

1881 

1885 

8 

Leo  Kuntz 

Allegheny,  Pa. 

1862 

1883 

1888 

9 

Gregory  Windschiegel 

Parkstein,  Bav. 

1863 

1885 

1889 

10 

Bernard  Haas 

Erie,  Pa. 

1866 

1886 

1889 

11 

Joseph  Mueller 

Cleveland,  Ohio 

1868 

1887 

1891 

12 

Edward  Meyer 

St.  Mary's,  Pa. 

1867 

1889 

1892 

13 

Ignatius  Remke 

Richmond,  Va. 

1869 

1891 

1894 

14 

John  E.  Smith 

Stanley  Creek,  N.  C. 

1863 

1891 

1894 

15 

Albert  Goetz 

Berghof,  Bav. 

1870 

1891 

1894 

16 

Thomas  Oestreich 

Reading,  Pa. 

1872 

1893 

1897 

17 

Anthony  Meyer 

Mahanoy  City,  Pa. 

1873 

1894 

1898 

18 

Augustine  Ecker 

Mahanoy  City,  Pa. 

1872 

1894 

1898 

19 

Paul  Reinfels 

Baltimore,  Md. 

1873 

1894 

1898 

20 

Charles  Rettger 

St.  Mary's,  Pa. 

1873 

1895 

1899 

42 


Name 


Birthplace 


Born   Voios  Ord. 


Eugene  Egan 
James  Buchholz 
Matthew  Graz 
Vincent  Taylor 
Alphonse  Buss 
Jerome  Finn 
Raymund  Ely 
William  Regnat 
Dominic  Volimer 
Ambrose  Gallagher 
Michael  Mclnerney 
Cornelius  Diel 
Raphael  Arthur 
Francis  Underwood 


Atlanta,  Ga. 
New  York,  N.  Y. 
Allegheny,  Pa. 
Norfolk,  Va. 
Reading,  Pa. 
Pittsburg,  Pa. 
Jacksonville,  Fla. 
Gundelfingen,  Bav. 
Boston,  Mass. 
Charlotte,  N.  C. 
Lock  Haven,  Pa. 
Philadelphia,  Pa. 
Columbia,  S.  C. 
Newton  Grove,  N.  C. 


1875 

1896 

1874 

1897 

1876 

1897 

1877 

1898 

1877 

1898 

1880 

1899 

1880 

1899 

1881 

1901 

1882 

1902 

1881 

1902 

1877 

1903 

1885 

1904 

1887 

1906 

1885 

1906 

1900 
1901 
1900 
1902 
1902 
1903 
1903 
1905 
1906 
1906 
1907 
1908 
1910 
1910 


CLERICS  IN  MINOR  ORDERS 


Theodore  Zink 
Philip  Fink 
Mark  Cassidy 
Boniface  Bauer 
Maurus  Buchheit 
Richard  Graz 
Edmund  Meister 
Andrew  Stauffer 
Martin  Schoettl 
Lawrence  McHale 


Reading,  Pa. 
Reading,  Pa. 
Philadelphia,  Pa. 
Edelbrunn,  Bav. 
St.  Mary's,  Pa. 
Allegheny,  Pa. 
Baltimore,  Md. 
St.  Mary's,  Pa. 
Bruckberg,  Bav. 
Minersville,  Pa. 

2  Novices 


1886 
1882 
1881 
1888 
1885 
1888 
1890 
1887 
1884 
1885 


1907 
1907 
1908 
1908 
1908 
1909 
1909 
1909 
1909 
1909 


PROFESSED  BROTHERS 

Francis  Zwiesler, 

Leonard  Metzger 

Charles   Eckel 

Gilbert  Koberzynski 

Aloysius  Forenbach 

Celestine   Wiegerle 

Albert  Popp 

Maurus  Lobenhofer 

Benedict  Marschall 

Placidus  Spoettl 

Willibald  Marschall 

43 


1855 
1861 
1853 
1840 
1846 
1852 
1863 
1870 
1860 
1870 
1868 


1878 
1882 
1883 
1883 
1883 
1883 
1888 
1891 
1891 
1891 
1892 


> 


Name 


Born    Voa 


Bernard   Geil 

Joseph   Ringelstaetter 

Boniface   Schreiber 

Louis  Marschall 

George  Poellath 

Francis  Buss 

William    Murray 

Leo  Kopp 

Vincent    Melber 

Felix  Keilhacker 

Christian    Hierl 

Simon  Keilhacker 

i^gidius   Seier 

Frederic  Schleid 

Mark  Proegl 

Lawrence   Bittel 

Fidelis    Kuhn 

4  Novices 
2  Oblates 


1871 
1872 
1877 
1861 
1876 
1875 
1851 
1881 
1871 
1883 
1870 
1887 
1877 
1885 
1892 
1881 
1865 


1893 
1894 
1895 
1895 
1896 
1896 
1899 
1901 
1902 
1905 
1907 
1907 
1909 
1909 
1910 
1910 
1910 


SUMMARY 

Abbot-Bishop l 

Priests 33 

Clerics  in  Minor  Orders 10 

Novices 2 

Brothers  Professed 28 

Novices 4 

Oblates 2 

Total  number  of  Members    80 


45 


Colleges  and  Parishes  of  Belmont  Abbey 


St n dent  8 

Pupih 

Souls 

College  at  Belmont  Abbey 

115 

Seminary         "             "       

18 

Benedictine  College— Savannah 

120 

Benedictine  College— Richmond  (building) 

St.  Joseph's  Industrial  School,  Bristow,  Va. 

55 

Belmont  Abbey  Parish 

450 

St.  Mary's,  Richmond,  Va 

2100 

Sacred  Heart,  Savannah,  Ga 

1810 

St.  Peter's,  Charlotte,  N.  C 

890 

Salisbury,  Statesville,  High  Point,  etc 

285 

Greensboro,  N.  C 

190 

Winston-Salem,  N.  C 

220 

Bristow,  Va 

150 

Manassas,  Va 

180 

Stations  not  mentioned 

215 

SUMMARY 


253 


55 


6490 


Under  the  spiritual  administration  of  the  Benedictine  Fathers 
of  Belmont  are : 

1.  Motherhouse,  Sisters  of  Mercy,  Belmont,  N.  C. 

2.  Motherhouse,  Benedictine  Sisters,  Bristow,  Va. 

3.  Sisters  of  Mercy  at  Charlotte  and  Salisbury. 

4.  Sisters  of  Charity,  Greensboro,  N.  C. 

5.  Benedictine  Sisters,  Richmond,  Va. 

Academies  for  young  ladies,  2 
Orphanages  (girls),  2 
Hospitals,  2 


46 


PAPAL   BULL 

Erecting  Belmont  Abbey  into  an  Abbatia  Nullius 


Pius  Episcopus,  Servus  ServorUm  Del 

Ad  perpetuam  rei  "tnemoriam. 

Apostolicam  in  singulas  Orbis  terrarum  Ecclesias  providentianii 
paterna  sollicitudine  protendentes,  id  etiam  aiiimadvertimus  atque 
adeo  ad  majoram  Dei  gloriam,  animarum  salutem  et  Religiosorum 
ordinum  decus  et  incrementum  perspeximus  fore  valde  opportunum 
ut  peramplus  Carolinae  Septentrionalis  apostolicus  vicariatus  in  foed- 
eratis  Americae  statibus  iam  aptius  commodiusque  ad  Abbatiam  nul- 
lius erigendam  circumscribatur.  Idcirco  perjucunde  excepimus 
preces  Nobis  delatas  a  Venerabili  Fratre  Nostro  Leone  Haid  Epis- 
copo  titulari  Messenensi  ac  Carolinae  Septentrionalis  Vicario  Apos- 
tolico,  suffragiis  tarn  Eminentissimi  Cardinalis  Archiepiscopi  Balti- 
morensis,  quam  Apostolici  in  foederatis  Americae  statibus  Delegati 
suffultas,  quibus  proponebat  dismembrationem  perampli  Carolinae 
Septentrionalis  apostolici  vicariatus  in  foederatis  Americae  statibus. 
Cum  in  praesentibus  rerum  adjunctis  nondum  possit,  juxta  consti- 
tutionem  Nostram  incipientem  Sapienti  consilio  die  vigesima  nona 
Junii  anni  Domini  millesimi  nongentesimi  octavi  editam,  in  dioe- 
cesim,  seu  dioeceses  erigi,  atque  ita  ad  ius  commune  deduci;  Nos, 
haec  omnia  probe  noscentes,  ut  quaedam  saltem  eiusdem  territorii 
pars  sub  communi  Ecclesiae  lege  statim  ponatur,  ad  majoram  Dei 
gloriam  et  animarum  salutem  procurandam  atque  ad  splendidius 
Ordinis  Sancti  Benedicti  decus  in  illis  regionibus  obtinendum,  terri- 
torium  illud,  quod  finibus  inferius  statuendis  continetur,  e  vicariatu 
Apostolico  Carolinae  Septentrionalis  sejungere,  ac  regimini  et  juris- 
dictioni  coenobii,  cui  nomen  Sanctae  Mariae  Auxiliatricis   apud  Bel- 

47 


mont,  Ordinis  Sancti  Benedict!,  subjicere,  simulque  in  abbatiam  nul- 
Hus  erigere  in  eum  qui  sequitur  modum  decrevimus.  Quae  cum  ita 
sint,  exquisita  prius  Venerabilium  quoque  Fratrum  Nostrorum 
Sanctae  Romanae  Ecclesiae  Cardinalium,  qui  negotiis  sive  consis- 
torialibus  sive  propagationis  fidei  expediendis  praepositi  sunt,  sen- 
tentia,  ac  suppleto,  quatenus  opus  sit,  quorum  intersit,  aut  sua  inter- 
esse  praesumant  consensu,  de  Apostolicae  potestatis  plenitudine  to- 
tam  regionem,  quae  civilibus  constat  comitatibus,  Gaston,  Lincoln, 
Cleveland,  Rutherford,  Polk,  Catawba,  Burke,  et  McDowell  nun- 
cupatis  ab  universe  territorio  memorati  vicariatus  apostolici  Caro- 
linae  Septentrionalis,  ad  quod  hactenus  pertinuit,  dividimus  et  se- 
jungimus,  ipsamque  coenobio  Sanctae  Mariae  Auxiliatricis  Belmont- 
ensis  pariter  denominandam,  sub  regimine  et  jurisdictione  Abbatis 
pro  tempore  ejusdem  Monasterii  erigimus  ac  constituimus,  ita  ut 
praedictum  coenobium  cum  adnexo  territorio  deinceps  ad  omnes 
juris  effectus  sit  vere  et  proprie  nullius  dioecesis,  Sedique  Aposto- 
licae immediate  subjectum.  Hujus  autem  Monasterii  Sanctae  Mariae 
Auxiliatricis  Belmontensis,  ecclesiam,  in  abbatialem  ecclesiam 
erectae  abbatiae  nullius  iisdemque  servatis  invocatione  ac  titulo, 
constituimus,  item  in  eo  sedem  et  dignitatem  abbatialem  ad  instar 
episcopalis  dignitatis  erigimus  et  instituimus,  pro  uno  abbate,  a 
coenobii  titulo  designando,  qui  ecclesiae  monasterio  ac  regioni  uti 
supra  definitae  praesit,  atque  jura  omnia,  officia,  munia  habeat  et 
exerceat,  iisdemque  honoribus  ac  praerogativis,  quibus  Praesules 
cathedralium  ecclesiarum  in  America  Septentrionali  utatur  et  gaudeat, 
lis  tamen  exceptis,  quae  titulo  oneroso,  vel  peculiariindulto  obtenta 
fuerint,  aliisque,  quae  de  jure  privative  ad  Episcopos  pertineant. 
Concedimus  etiam  ejusdem  abbatiae  nullius  abbati  cetera  jura  et 
privilegia,  quae  abbatibus  nullius  dioecesis  ex  ordine  Sancti  Benedicti 
sunt  communia,  quibusve  apostoUco  indulto  frui  solent;  capitulo  au- 
tem abbatiali,  ex  monachis  memoratis  coenobii,  quum  fieri  poterit, 
constituendo,  onera  imponimus  atque  jura  et  privilegia  largimur,  ad 
quae  tenentur  et  quibus  fruuntur  monachi  capitulorum  aliarum  ab- 
batialium  ecclesiarum  nullius  dioecesis  ex  Ordine  Sancti  Benedicti. 
Cetera  vero  omnia  quae  res,  personas,  jura,  officia,  seminarium 
abbatiale,  taxam  ab  abbate  solvendam,  aliaque  id  genus  respiciunt, 
statuimus  ut  firma  et  rata  secundum  canonicas  sanctiones,  in  primis 
Concilii  Tridentini  decreta,  ac  recentiores  Sanctae  Sedis   decisiones, 

48 


quae  illas  praesertim  regiones  attingunt,  manere  debeant.  Et  cum 
necesse  sit  ut  congruis  proventibus  et  reditibus  dotatio  hujus  novae 
abbatiae  nullius  constituatur,  p;-o  abbatis  mensa,  capituli  et  semi- 
narii  dote,  divini  cultus  piorumque  operum  expensis,  reditus  et  bona 
attribuimus,  quibus  coenobium  ipsum  Sanctae  Mariae  Auxiliatricis 
Belmontensis  actu  potitur  et  gaudet,  quaeque  in  posterum  obtinebit. 
In  hac  tamen  abbatia  nullius  erigenda  et  finibus  supra  statutis  eidem 
assignandis  expresse  Nobis  et  apostolicae  Sedi  facultatem  reserva- 
mus  quamlibet  dismembrationem,  seu  novam  ipsius  abbatiae  cir- 
cumscriptionem,  libere  decernendi  quandocunque  hoc  in  Domino 
opportunum  visum  fuerit,  nullo  in  id  abbatis  et  Capituli  abbatialis 
ecclesiae  assensu  exquisito,  neve  ulla  attributa  territorii  compensa- 
tione.  Praeterea  volumus,  praefatus  Leo  Haid,  praesens  Abbas 
coenobii  Sanctae  Mariae  Auxiliatricis  Belmontensis,  sit  et  maneat 
primus  Abbas  novae  erectae  abbatiae  nullius,  atque  ipse  ejusve  in 
abbatiali  dignitate  successores  exerceant  quoque  munia  et  officia 
vicarii  apostolici  in  reliqua  regione  Carolinae  Septentrionalis  ad 
ejusdem  et  Apostolicae  Sedis  nutum,  quo  vero  hoc  duplex  munus 
abbatis  nempe  et  vicarii  apostolici,  rite  obire  valeant,  et  quousque 
haec  rerum  conditio  permanebit,  facultatem  eis  tribuimus  residen- 
tiam  canonicam  in  abbatiae  nullius  et  in  vicariatus  apostolici  Caro- 
linae Septentrionalis  territorio  alterius,  discreto  ipsorum  judicio, 
statuendi.  Praesentes  quoque  Litteras  de  subreptionis  vel  obrep- 
tionis,  aut  nullitatis  vitio,  seu  intentionis  Nostrae,  aut  quolibet  alio 
defectu  quantumvis  juridico  et  substantiali,  etiam  ex  eo,  quod  om- 
nes  et  singulis  in  praemissis  quomodohbet  interesse  habentes,  vel 
habere  praesumentes,  praesentibus  non  consenserint,  ac  causae 
propter  quas  praemissa  omnia  et  singula  emanarunt  minime  suffici- 
enter  examinatae  fuerint  et  ex  quocumque  alio  capite  notari,  impug- 
nari,  invalidari  vel  in  controversiam  reduci  ac  eas  semper  et  per- 
petuo  validas  et  efficaces  existere  et  fore,  suosque  plenarios  et  in- 
tegros  effectus  sortiri  et  obtinere,  atque  ab  omnibus  ad  quos  spec- 
tat  inviolabiliter  observari  debere  et  si  secus  super  his  a  quoquam 
quavis  auctoritate,  scienter  vel  ignoranter  contigerit  attentari  irritum 
et  inane  esse  et  fore  volumus  atque  decernimus.  Quocirca  Venera- 
bili  Fratri  Nostro  Diomedi  Falconio,  Archiepiscopo  titulari  Laris- 
sansi,  atque  in  foederatis  Americae  Septentrionalis  statibus  Apos- 
tolico  Delegato,  per  easdem  praesentes  committimus  et  mandamus, 

49 


quatenus  ad  exequutionem  praemissorum  omnium  procedat,  oppor- 
tunas  et  necessarias  ei  tribuendo  facultates,  quibus  is  alteram  quo- 
que  personam  in  ecclesiastica  dignitate  constitutam  subdelegare  val- 
eat,  ita  quod  idem  Diomedes  Antistes,  ejusve  subdelegata  persona 
ea  cuncta  possit  ordinare,  disponere,  declarare  ac  etiam  definitive, 
appelatione  super  quacumque  quaestione,  ri  qua  forsan  incident, 
penitus  remota  decernere,  quae  opportuerint  ad  totum  hoc  negocium 
probe  feliciterque  perficiendum.  Non  obstantibus  Nostris  et  Can- 
cellariae  Apostolicae  regulis  de  jure  quaesito  non  tollendo  ac  Later- 
anensis  Concilii  novissime  celebrati,  dismembrationes  perpetuas, 
nisi  in  casibus  a  jure  permissis  fieri  prohibente,  aliisque  etiam  in 
Synodalibus,  provincialibus  generalibusque  conciliis  editis  vel  eden- 
dis,  specialibus  vel  generalibus  Constitutionibus  et  Ordinationibus 
Apostolicis,  dictaeque  Abbatiae  etiam  juramento  confirmatione  Apos- 
tolica  vel  quavis  firmitate  alia  roboratis  statutis  et  consuetudinibus 
privilegiis  quoque,  indultis  et  concessionibus  quavis  individua  men- 
tione  dignis,  quibus  omnibus  et  singulis  pro  illorum  sufficienti  dero- 
gatione  de  illis  eorumque  totis  tenoribus  specialis,  specifica,  non 
autem  per  clausulas  generales  idem  importantes  mentio  habenda 
foret,  praesentibus  pro  sufficienter  expressis  habentes,  illis  alias  in 
suo  robore  permansuris,  latissime  et  plenissime  specialiter  et  ex- 
presse  pro  hac  vice  dumtaxat,  harum  serie  derogamus,  ceterisque 
contrariis  quibuscumque.  Volumus  autem  quod  dictus  Diomedes 
Antistes  et  ejus  subdelegata  persona  infra  sex  menses  ad  hanc  Apost- 
olicam  Sedem  transmittere  teneatur  exemplar  authentica  forma  exa- 
ratum  quorumvis  decretorum  in  exequutione  ipsa  ferendorum  ut  haec 
etiam  in  Archivio  Congregationis  Consistorialis  ad  perpetuam  rei  me- 
moriam  et  normam  conserventur.  Volumus  etiam  quod  praesentium 
Litterarum  transumptis,  etiam  impressis,  manu  tamen  alicujus  Notarii 
publici  subscriptis,  et  sigillo  alicujus  personae  in  ecclesiastica  digni- 
tate constitutae  munitis,  eadem  prorsus  fides  in  judicio  et  extra  illud 
adhibeatur,  quae  eisdem  praesentibus  adhiberetur  si  forent  exhibitae 
vel  extensae.  NuUo  ergo  omnino  hominum  liceat  hanc  paginam  Nos- 
trae  dismembrationis,  exceptionis,  erectionis,  institutionis,  concession 
nis  indulti,  decreti,  mandati,  derogationis  et  voluntatis  infringere  vel 
ei  ausu  temerario  contraire ;  si  quis  autem  hoc  attentare  praesump- 
serit  indignationem  Omnipotentis   Dei  ac  Beatorum  Petri   et  Pauli 


50 


Apostolorum  Ejus  se  noverit  incursurum.  Datum  Romae  apud  Sanc- 
tum Petrum  anno  Domini  millesimo  nongentesimo  decimo,  sexto  idus 
Junii,  Pontificatus  Nostri  anno  septimo, 

PIUS   PP.   X. 


51 


